Revolutionary Shape-Shifting Microrobots Capable of Walking and Flying
Researchers from Tsinghua University and Beihang University have unveiled a groundbreaking microrobot capable of continuously changing shapes and securely locking into precise configurations. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize operations in complex, hazardous, and confined environments. By merging advanced materials engineering with precision control, the team has made significant strides in the field of soft robotics, addressing key challenges related to multifunctionality and adaptability.
The Heart of the Innovation: A Miniature Actuator
A study published in *Nature Machine Intelligence* highlights the pivotal role of a newly developed thin-film small-scale actuator in enabling the microrobot’s shape-shifting capabilities. This actuator acts as the core component, facilitating flexible and dynamic movements. The fabrication process is intricate, beginning with the application of a silicone coating on a silicon wafer. This is followed by transfer-printing a polyimide film onto the substrate. A copper layer is then deposited using electron beam evaporation to ensure precise thin-film deposition. Techniques like photolithography and wet-etching are employed to define the copper circuitry and structures, while laser cutting finalizes the actuator’s shape and dimensions.
Professor Zhang Yihui, who spearheaded the research at Tsinghua University’s School of Aerospace Engineering and the State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, noted that previous small-scale actuators, typically measuring under five centimeters, faced challenges in achieving continuous transformation and stable locking. The new actuator overcomes these limitations by allowing highly accurate electric control over deformation, enabling the microrobot to transition into any desired shape and secure itself firmly. This advancement significantly enhances the microrobot’s versatility, allowing it to walk, run, jump, fly, and climb with ease.
Building the Microrobot: A Lego-Inspired Approach
The design of the microrobot draws inspiration from a “Lego-inspired” modular architecture. By integrating the new actuators with various functional components—such as rotors for flight, motors for ground movement, control modules, and a compact lithium battery for wireless power—the researchers have created a microrobot measuring just nine centimeters in length and weighing 25 grams. This lightweight design enables the microrobot to transition seamlessly between ground and aerial travel, achieving ground speeds of up to 1.6 meters per second. The team claims this is the smallest and lightest untethered robot capable of operating on both land and in the air.
Diverse Applications
The microrobot’s ability to morph into different shapes for rolling and flying opens up a wide range of potential applications. Professor Zhang suggests its use in fault diagnosis and repair tasks in narrow or hazardous environments, archaeological excavations, and search missions. Furthermore, the actuator technology holds promise for bioelectronic devices, such as shape-adaptive vascular stents, and for enhancing haptic feedback systems in virtual and augmented reality. The innovations presented by the research team pave the way for next-generation mini-robots, merging strength, flexibility, and cutting-edge design in a transformative manner.
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