Micro and nanorobots propelled by science
Abstract
Nature has evolved many microorganisms that operate without neurons, yet exhibit remarkably complex behaviors. These are examples of autonomous machines whose function and interaction with the environment is entirely governed by the chemistry and physics at small scales. Since consciousness plays no role, there is thus no fundamental reason why we should not also be able to build and operate analogous synthetic microrobots. One key ingredient is the ability to synthesize and engineer complex 3D parts and ways to organize or assemble these components. Another challenge is to provide energy for activation, which calls for strategies that are entirely different to the many engineering solutions that have been devised at large scales. This talk will describe our efforts in realizing such systems - some with outside control, others that are entirely autonomous - at the smallest of scales.
- Publication:
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APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019APS..MARS64004S