Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

seoul uni microbot

Seoul University designs tiny robot that powers itself

It’s only a few centimetres long and looks about as complex as a paperclip mechanically, but a tiny “robot” developed by Seoul University boffins is apparently able to power itself.

The miniature robot uses moisture from its environment to generate the power it needs to move itself forward, which it does, like a caterpillar.

The team which designed the creepy little thing is led by Ho-Young Kim, who says they used nature as the inspiration for their “microbot”. 

In an article on Nature, the microbot is seen moving along on a wet paper, using the moisture in the paper to power itself.

This means it could be useful in medical applications if people are willing to allow robotic creepy crawlies on, or even beneath, their skin.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email