Articles tagged with "microrobots"
Enzyme-powered bubble robots maneuver drugs directly to tumors
Researchers at Caltech and the University of Southern California have developed enzyme-powered microbubble robots designed for precise drug delivery to tumors. These microrobots simplify previous complex designs by using protein-shelled microbubbles, which are biocompatible and commonly used in medical imaging. The bubbles are functionalized by chemically attaching enzymes, drugs, and nanoparticles to their surface, enabling them to move, sense their environment, and deliver therapy. Propulsion is achieved through the enzyme urease, which reacts with naturally occurring urea in the body to generate thrust, while two versions of the robots have been created: one steered magnetically and tracked via ultrasound, and another fully autonomous version that homes in on tumors by sensing elevated hydrogen peroxide levels through the enzyme catalase. Once the microbubble robots reach the tumor site, focused ultrasound bursts the bubbles, releasing the drug payload and enhancing its penetration into the tumor tissue. In mouse models of bladder cancer, this method resulted in approximately a 60% reduction
roboticsmicrorobotsdrug-deliveryenzyme-powered-robotsmedical-roboticstargeted-therapynanotechnologyAutonomous microrobots finally break the millimeter barrier
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan have developed autonomous microrobots that break the longstanding millimeter-size barrier, achieving fully integrated sensing, computation, and motion control at a scale of just 210 × 340 × 50 micrometers—about the size of a paramecium. This represents a volume roughly 10,000 times smaller than previous programmable robots. Unlike earlier microrobots that rely on external control systems such as magnetic coils or ultrasound arrays, these new robots operate independently, sensing their environment, making decisions, and acting autonomously. The devices are manufactured using fully lithographic processes, enabling low-cost production (under a penny per unit at scale), and can be programmed wirelessly via LED light to perform complex behaviors like climbing temperature gradients and encoding sensor data through movement patterns. Historically, microrobots have faced a fundamental trade-off: either be very small but externally controlled with no onboard intelligence, or be larger (around one millimeter)
roboticsmicrorobotsautonomous-robotsmicrotechnologysensorsonboard-computingmedical-roboticsMIT engineers design an aerial microrobot that can fly as fast as a bumblebee - Robohub
MIT engineers have developed an aerial microrobot capable of flying with speed and agility comparable to bumblebees, marking a significant advancement over previous slow and smooth-flight microrobots. This tiny robot, roughly the size of a microcassette and lighter than a paperclip, uses larger flapping wings powered by artificial muscles to achieve rapid, agile movements. A novel AI-based two-part control system enables the robot to perform complex gymnastic maneuvers, such as executing 10 consecutive somersaults in 11 seconds, even under wind disturbances. This control scheme improves the robot’s speed by about 450% and acceleration by 250% compared to earlier versions, allowing it to navigate tight spaces and obstacles that larger drones cannot. The breakthrough stems from a collaboration between Kevin Chen’s Soft and Micro Robotics Laboratory and Jonathan P. How’s team, combining hardware improvements with a sophisticated AI controller that balances robustness and computational efficiency for real-time flight control. Previously, the robot’s controller
roboticsmicrorobotsaerial-robotsAI-control-systemsbioinspired-roboticsmicro-aerial-vehiclessoft-roboticsMagnetic tiny robots deliver drugs directly to clots to fight strokes
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed magnetic microrobots designed to deliver clot-dissolving drugs directly to stroke-causing thrombi, achieving over a 95% success rate in targeted drug delivery. These tiny spherical capsules feature a soluble gel shell embedded with iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic guidance and tantalum nanoparticles for X-ray tracking. The microrobots are precisely navigated through blood vessels using a modular electromagnetic system that combines three magnetic strategies, enabling controlled movement at speeds up to 4 millimeters per second along vessel walls. This targeted approach aims to reduce the side effects associated with systemic clot-dissolving drugs, such as internal bleeding. The microrobots release their drug payload when heated by a high-frequency magnetic field, dissolving the gel shell at the target site. Tested in realistic silicone vessel models, the robots successfully located and dissolved blood clots, and further in vivo trials demonstrated effective navigation in pigs and sheep, including through complex cerebral fluid environments. Beyond stroke treatment,
roboticsmicrorobotsdrug-deliverymagnetic-navigationmedical-technologynanotechnologystroke-treatmentRobot Talk Episode 130 – Robots learning from humans, with Chad Jenkins - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 130 podcast, Claire interviews Chad Jenkins, a Professor of Robotics and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan, about how robots can learn from humans to better assist in daily tasks. Jenkins’ research focuses on robot learning from demonstration, human-robot interaction, dexterous mobile manipulation, and robot perception. Notably, he founded the Robotics Major Degree Program at the University of Michigan in 2022 and received the 2024 ACM/CMD-IT Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for his contributions to scientific scholarship, civic science, and diversity in computing. The episode highlights the intersection of robotics and human collaboration, emphasizing how robots can be taught by observing human actions to improve their functionality and integration into everyday life. This discussion fits within the broader context of the Robot Talk podcast series, which explores advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines, featuring experts from various fields. The episode also connects to related topics such as robotic applications in smart cities, museum
roboticsrobot-learninghuman-robot-interactionautonomous-machinesrobot-perceptionmicrorobotsrobotic-systemsRobot Talk Episode 128 – Making microrobots move, with Ali K. Hoshiar - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 128, Claire interviews Ali K. Hoshiar, a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at the University of Essex and Director of the Robotics for Under Millimetre Innovation (RUMI) Lab. Hoshiar discusses the mechanisms behind microrobot movement and their collaborative behaviors. His research spans microrobotics, soft robotics, and data-driven mechatronic systems, with applications in medical and agricultural technologies. He leads the EPSRC-funded ‘In-Target’ project and has been recognized with the university’s Best Interdisciplinary Research Award. The episode highlights Hoshiar’s interdisciplinary approach, combining technical expertise with strategic and commercial insights, supported by his MBA. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and innovations in making microrobots move effectively and work together, emphasizing their potential impact in various fields. Robot Talk continues to explore advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines through such expert conversations.
robotmicrorobotssoft-roboticsmechatronicsmedical-roboticsagri-tech-roboticsautonomous-machinesScientists turn sperm into microrobots to advance infertility care
Researchers at the University of Twente’s TechMed Centre have developed a novel technique to transform human sperm cells into magnetically controlled microrobots that can be tracked and steered inside a life-sized anatomical model using X-ray imaging. By coating sperm with magnetic nanoparticles, the team overcame the challenge of sperm’s invisibility under conventional imaging, enabling real-time visualization and precise navigation within the body. This breakthrough merges the natural mobility and flexibility of sperm with advanced robotics, opening new possibilities for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic applications in hard-to-reach reproductive areas. The technology holds promise for revolutionizing treatments of uterine conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, and fibroids by enabling minimally invasive, site-specific drug delivery. Additionally, tracking sperm movement in real time could enhance understanding of fertilization processes, unexplained infertility, and improve assisted reproductive techniques like IVF. Safety tests indicate that the sperm-nanoparticle clusters are biocompatible, showing no significant toxicity to human uterine cells after
robotmicrorobotsmedical-roboticsdrug-deliverymagnetic-nanoparticlesinfertility-treatmentbiomedical-engineeringSmartlet microrobots coordinate underwater using light signals
Researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology have developed “smartlet” microrobots—tiny, millimeter-scale cube-shaped devices capable of autonomous movement and communication underwater. Constructed from flexible, origami-inspired materials, each smartlet integrates solar cells, onboard processors, micro-LEDs, and photodiodes, enabling them to harvest light for power and use optical signals for communication without external controls. Propelled by bubble-generating engines that control buoyancy, these microrobots can coordinate their actions through light-based signaling, allowing synchronized group behaviors and decentralized control. This innovation marks a significant advance in creating distributed robotic systems that mimic collective intelligence found in nature. By combining energy harvesting and communication in a compact, wireless loop, the smartlets eliminate the need for bulky external equipment like magnets or cameras. The researchers envision diverse applications, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and soft robotics, where these biocompatible, untethered robots could perform complex sensing and adaptive tasks in fluidic
robotmicrorobotsunderwater-roboticsoptical-communicationsolar-cellsautonomous-systemsdistributed-intelligenceDust-sized robots may soon clear sinus infections without antibiotics
Researchers from Guangxi University, Shenzhen University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed tiny, light-activated microrobots called CBMRs (copper single–atom–loaded bismuth oxoiodide photocatalytic microrobots) designed to treat bacterial sinus infections without antibiotics. These dust-sized robots can be injected into the sinus cavity via the nostrils and precisely guided by a magnetic field and a specially designed magnetically guided optical fiber. Once at the infection site, visible light activates the microrobots, enabling them to mechanically disrupt bacterial biofilms and generate antibacterial reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill bacteria. This approach offers a noninvasive, drug-free alternative that minimizes antibiotic resistance and avoids the need for invasive surgery. Preclinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of CBMRs in eliminating bacterial biofilms and clearing infections in animal models, including rabbits and pig sinuses, without causing tissue damage or side effects. The microrobots are naturally expelled
robotmicrorobotsmedical-roboticsantibacterial-technologysinus-infection-treatmentlight-activated-robotsbiomedical-engineeringChina's fast, clean microrobot targets tiny fluid tasks in medicine
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Electric Power Research Institute have developed an advanced magnetic microrobot capable of manipulating tiny liquid droplets with unprecedented speed and precision. Utilizing a combination of neodymium magnetic particles, sugar, and a chemically stable polymer, the robot features a porous, hydrophilic surface that effectively attracts and controls fluids. Powered by strong neodymium magnets, this microrobot moves up to 20 times faster than previous models and can transport droplets nearly a milliliter in size, a significant capacity for microscale robotics. Its design emphasizes cleanliness and chemical stability, making it especially suitable for sensitive applications such as medical diagnostics and handling reactive chemicals. The microrobot demonstrates versatile fluid handling by merging droplets at low speeds to facilitate chemical reactions and splitting them at high speeds for diverse tasks. It operates effectively even in harsh chemical environments, including corrosive acids, without damage. This combination of speed, precision, and durability positions the microrobot as a valuable tool for automating small-scale chemical processes in laboratories, enhancing efficiency and safety, and potentially enabling minimally invasive medical procedures. The innovation addresses previous limitations in magnetic microrobotics, such as weak driving forces and contamination risks, through novel materials and engineering solutions.
microrobotsmagnetic-controlmedical-roboticsmicrofluidicsadvanced-materialschemical-stabilityprecision-roboticsSnake and insect-inspired robots team up to do what humans can't
robotinspectionmicrorobotssoft-roboticsautomationengineeringtechnology