Scientists Unveil World’s Smallest Programmable Robots
Researchers from the universities of Michigan and Pennsylvania have developed the world’s smallest programmable robots. These tiny machines, smaller than a grain of salt, are designed for medical applications and can autonomously sense and navigate their surroundings.
Robot Specifications
The robots measure around 200 × 300 × 50 µm and are capable of monitoring individual cell health and assisting in the construction of microscale devices. They can detect temperatures with high precision and use a unique propulsion system that moves the surrounding water to navigate efficiently.
Power and Programming
Powered and programmed using light pulses, these robots can operate for months at a cost of just one penny each. The researchers highlight that this is the first time a sub‑millimeter robot has been equipped with a complete computing system, including a processor, memory, and sensors.
Future Prospects
Future iterations could include more complex programs, faster movement, additional sensors, and operation in more demanding environments. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for programmable robots at the microscale, paving the way for advanced applications in the medical field and beyond.
