Inspired by the movement of insects gliding on the surface of water, University of Waterloo researchers have designed tiny robots controlled by light, offering promising possibilities for environmental remediation and biomedical applications.
"We're moving toward smart, swimming robots with more autonomous behaviour by making them respond to external cues like light, or magnetic fields," said Dr. Hamed Shahsavan, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and director of the SMART-Lab.
Dr. Hamed Shahsavan and his research team led the development of how these tiny robots can move once exposed to ultraviolet light. (University of Waterloo)
The research team was inspired by the movement strategy of Gerridae insects, commonly known as water striders, which release chemicals through their bodies to allow them to glide on water. They also manipulate the water's surface with their legs to control the direction of their motion.
Tiny robots made to mimic the insects feature liquid crystal elastomers, materials that change shape in response to light, and protein-based chemical motors inspired by squid biology.
