 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Microrobot
takes cue from nature
The four-legged millimeter-scale device is made of a hydrogel -- a rubber that changes size and shape in response to environmental factors like electric fields, acidity and specific substances. An alternating electric field moves the microrobot's legs in a way that propels it forward.
The microrobot's body can release substances, which means it could be used for medical and biological testing and drug delivery. The body can also be made to signal the presence of specific substances, which makes the microrobot a potential mobile sensor for environmental monitoring.
Research paper:
Biomimetic Soft Multifunctional Miniature Aquabots
Small, published online November 6, 2008
Researchers' homepages:
Intelligent Bio MEMS Laboratory, Korea University
Microtechnology Medicine Biology Lab, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Related stories and briefs:
Gel gains life-like motion -- related research
Back to TRN November 24/December 1, 2008
View from the High Ground Q&A
How It Works
RSS Feeds:
News
| Blog
Ad links: Clear History
Buy an ad link
© Copyright Technology Research News 2000-2010. All rights reserved.
