In recent years, there have been significant progress in the field of microscale robotics, crossing the boundaries of what is possible at the miniature level. These progress paved the way for potential breakthroughs in areas, from medical applications to environmental monitoring. In this landscape of innovation, scientists from Cornell University made a remarkable contribution, developing microscale robots that can transform their shape in the command.
The team, led by Professor Itai Cohen from the Cornell Physics Department, created robots with less than one millimeter, which can change from flat, two -dimensional form for various three -dimensional shapes. This development, described in detail in the article published in Natural materialsIt represents a significant leap forward in the possibilities of microscopic robotic systems.
The use of Kirigami techniques in robotic engineering
The heart of this breakthrough lies the innovative application of the Kirigami principles in robots. Kirigami, a variety of origami, which includes cutting, as well as folding paper, inspired engineers to create structures that can change shape in a precise and predictable way.
In the context of these robots, the microscales of the Kirigami techniques allow you to include strategic cuts and folds into the material. This design approach allows robots to transform flat state into complex three -dimensional configurations, which provides them with unprecedented versatility at the microscale level.
Scientists called their work “Metasheet robot”. The term “meta” refers here to metamaterials – modified materials with properties not found in naturally occurring substances. In this case, Metasheet consists of many components working in a concert to obtain unique mechanical behavior.
This Metasheet project allows the robot to change the range of coverage and expand or arrange locally by up to 40%. The ability to accept various shapes potentially enables these robots to interact with the environment in an previously unattainable way on this scale.
Technical specifications and functionality
The microscale robot is constructed as a hexagonal tile consisting of about 100 silicon dioxide panels. These panels are associated with over 200 riots, each of which measures about 10 nanometers thick. This complex layout of panels and hinges is the basis for the possibility of changing the shape of the robot.
The transformation and movement of these robots are achieved by electrochemical activation. After applying electricity with external cables, it launches launching tanks, creating folds of the mountains and valleys. This startup causes the panels to open and rotate, enabling the robot to change its shape.
By activating various hinges, the robot can take different configurations. This allows you to potentially wrap objects or develop back in a flat sheet. The ability to crawl and change shape in response to electric stimuli shows the level of control and versatility, which distinguishes these works from previous microscale projects.
Potential applications and implications
The development of these microscales changing the shape opens many potential applications in various fields. In the field of medicine, these works can revolutionize minimally invasive procedures. Their ability to change shape and navigation through complex body structures can make them invaluable to provide drugs or microsurgery.
In the field of environmental science, these works can be implemented to monitor microscales of ecosystems or pollution. Their small size and adaptation ability would allow them to access and interact with environments that are currently difficult to examine.
In addition, in science and material production, these works can be used as structural elements for reconfigurated microasoboons. This can lead to the development of adaptive materials that can change their properties on demand, opening new possibilities in such areas as air engineering or intelligent textiles.
Future research directions
The Cornell team is already looking at the next phase of this technology. One exciting way of research is to develop what “elastronic” materials specify. They would combine flexible mechanical structures with electronic controllers, creating ultra-reaging materials with properties that exceed everything that was found in nature.
Professor Cohen provides materials that can respond to stimuli in a programmed way. For example, when the strength of the strength of these materials could “escape” or push back with greater force than they experienced. This concept of intelligent matter regulated by principles that exceed natural restrictions can lead to transformation applications in many industries.
Another area of future research is to increase the ability of robots to set energy from the environment. Considering light -sensitive electronics for each structural element, scientists strive to create robots that can work autonomously for a long time.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the exciting potential of these robots, there are several challenges left. One of the main problems is to increase the production of these devices while maintaining precision and reliability. The complicated nature of the robot construction presents significant production obstacles, which should be overcome for widespread use.
In addition, controlling these robots in real environments is significant challenges. While current studies show control using external cables, the development of wireless control systems and power supply on this scale remains a significant obstacle.
There are also ethical considerations, especially when considering potential biomedical applications. The use of microscales inside the human body raises important questions about safety, long -term effects and the consent of the patient, which should be carefully taken care of.
Lower line
The development of microscale robots that change shape by scientists from the University of Cornell means a significant milestone in the field of robotics and material materials. Thanks to the ingenious application of Kirigs to create Metasheet structures, this breakthrough opens a wide range of potential applications, from revolutionary medical procedures to advanced environmental monitoring.
Challenges related to the production, control and ethical reasons remain, these studies form the basis for future innovations, such as “elastronic” materials. As this technology evolutions, it can transform many industries and our wider technological landscape, once again showing how progress in microscales can lead to a huge impact on science and society.
