EurekAlert June 14, 2021
Researchers in Singapore created miniature robots by embedding magnetic microparticles into biocompatible polymers which are ‘programmed’ to execute their desired functionalities when magnetic fields are applied. They discovered the third and final principal vector of the magnetic fields, which is critical for controlling such machines. The robots have six degrees of freedom, rotate 43 times faster and they can be made with ‘soft’ materials hence replicate important mechanical qualities, ability to grip and precisely pick and place miniature objects. Other features include the remote control, ability to swim through barriers, and assemble structures, precise orientation control, and rotation speed of 173 degrees per second for their sixth DoF motion. With their gripper robot, the scientists were able to assemble a 3D structure consisting of a bar sitting atop two Y-shaped stilts in less than five minutes, about 20 times faster than existing miniature robots have been able to. According to the researchers this proof-of-concept demonstration suggests that one day they may be used in ‘micro factories’ that build microscale devices. They have application in medicine, biomedical application, and chip manufacturing…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ