Researchers created microscopic, fully programmable robots that measure about 0.2 by 0.3 by 0.05 millimeters, a size similar to many microorganisms. The devices are light-powered and can operate for months; each costs about one penny. A batch described in Science Robotics includes temperature sensors accurate to within a third of a degree Celsius. The robots report temperatures by wiggling, a motion compared to the waggle dance of honeybees.
Propulsion and computing were developed by separate teams that joined efforts. The propulsion design avoids moving parts: the robots generate an electrical field that nudges ions in the surrounding liquid, and those ions push water molecules to create a force that moves the robot. The computing team ran the robot program on 75 nanowatts, which researchers say is 100,000 times less than a smart watch requires. Solar panels take up most of each robot to collect that energy.
Engineers condensed control instructions into a single special instruction so programs fit very small memory. Researchers say the devices could advance medicine by monitoring single cells and help manufacturing by building microscale devices.
Difficult words
- microscopic — very small; needs a microscope to see
- programmable — able to run different instructions automatically
- propulsion — system or force that makes something move
- ion — charged atom or molecule in a liquid or gasions
- nanowatt — unit of power equal to one billionth wattnanowatts
- condense — make something shorter by combining partscondensed
- memory — computer part that stores information for programs
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could tiny, cheap robots change medical monitoring of cells? Give one possible benefit.
- What manufacturing tasks might tiny robots help with, and why would their small size matter?
- Do you have any concerns about tiny robots operating for months inside environments? Explain briefly.
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