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Scientists have created another "smart" kind of microrobot
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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At the University of California, a team of scientists has printed robots in the form of microscopic fish that can move through liquids and, according to scientists, will become an excellent method of delivering drugs.
The new "microrobots" are capable of moving independently and are controlled by an external source of magnetic radiation. It is worth noting that scientists plan to place such "fish" in specialized tablets, in addition, such microscopic robots have their own functionality and specialization.
This type of robot is not the first, recently scientists from different universities and countries have successfully created microscopic robots for various purposes. For example, there is a robot-mollusk, which got its name from its way of moving, miniature robots created from air bubbles, working under the influence of laser light, magnetic robots, controlled by an external source of magnetic radiation.
The peculiarity of the microfish created by Californian researchers is that their production method is quite simple and they are capable of performing many actions.
The team used high-resolution micro-scale optical 3D printing technology to print thousands of microrobots measuring just 0.12mm in length and 0.02mm in thickness at once.
The process is controlled by special software, and in addition, microrobots can be given any shape (fish or birds).
The tail of the robots includes nanoparticles with platinum, and the head contains magnetic particles. When placed in a liquid containing hydrogen peroxide, platinum becomes a kind of catalyst and decomposes hydrogen peroxide, releasing gas bubbles, which sets the robot in motion.
An external magnetic field acts on the particles in the head and sets the exact direction.
The researchers tested and checked the performance of the microrobots using detoxification. The scientists applied a toxin-neutralizing substance to the surface of the robots and placed them in a toxic solution. All the microfish began to emit a bright red light and the researchers were able to control their movement, directing them towards maximum glow. This experiment allowed the scientists to assume that the microrobots have the ability to perform two tasks at once: serve as a sensor and neutralize chemical compounds.
Researchers suggest that such microrobots have great potential and can be used in various fields of medicine and science. For example, they will be suitable for delivering medications, eliminating the consequences of accidents at man-made facilities, monitoring the environment, etc.
Researchers are currently building a microrobot that could be used in surgery. The idea is that several of these microrobots could perform light surgical procedures directly inside the body without the need for an incision.