Tiny Robots That Think and Swim on Their Own

Tiny robots, smaller than a grain of salt, have been created. These robots can move, sense their surroundings, and make decisions all by themselves. They are powered by light and can work for months without stopping. These tiny robots are the result of a collaboration between researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan. They measure about 200 by 300 by 50 micrometers. Despite their small size, they can detect temperature changes and follow programmed paths. The researchers published their findings in two scientific journals: Science Robotics and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for robotics at a much smaller scale.Unlike traditional robots, these microrobots do not have mechanical limbs. Instead, they create tiny electrical fields that push ions in the fluid around them, allowing them to move. This method is more effective at the microscopic level, where conventional motors do not work. Previous microrobots often required external controls, such as magnetic fields or physical tethers, to guide their movement. However, these new robots have their own miniature solar cell-powered processors. This allows them to respond to their environment, communicate through patterned movements, and perform tasks independently. The potential applications for these tiny robots are vast. They could be used to monitor biological processes at the cellular level, support medical diagnostics, or help assemble tiny devices. Because they can be mass-produced at a low cost, this technology opens new avenues for research and engineering at scales that were previously unreachable.