2023-10-24 22:10:00
A miniature robot, inspired by the incredible grasping ability of geckos and the efficient locomotion of caterpillars, could one day help doctors perform surgical procedures. This robot, developed by American engineers, is the first of its kind to not require connection to an external energy source. This feature allows remote use and great versatility for potential applications such as assisting surgeons and research in otherwise inaccessible locations.
The GeiwBotas the researchers of theUniversity of Waterloo, is a robot built from an intelligent material. It can be modified at the molecular level to mimic the way geckos stick and peel off powerful grippers on their feet. This allows the robot, approximately four centimeters long, three millimeters wide and one millimeter thick, to climb a vertical wall and traverse the ceiling without being connected to a power source.
The micro-robot uses the ultraviolet (UV) light and magnetic force to move across any surface, even up walls and through ceilings. It was constructed using liquid crystal elastomers and synthetic adhesive pads. A light-sensitive polymer strip simulates the arcing and stretching motion of a caterpillar, while gecko-inspired magnetic pads at each end provide grip.
Potential applications in surgery and beyond
An untethered soft robot opens the door to potential surgical applications via remote operation inside the human body and for detection or search in dangerous or hard-to-reach places during rescue operations.
Design principles of an untethered holistic soft robot, GeiwBot
(AC) Photographs of a tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) climbing on a vertical glass surface (A) and the gecko’s toe in the extension-adhesion (attachment) state (B) and in the scroll-release (detach) (C).
(D) GeiwBot integrates one LCN trunk (yellow), two LCN legs (red), and two gecko adhesive pads (GAP). The GAP includes a magnetic NdFeB/PDMS composite film, a mushroom-shaped pillar array (MPA), and a viscoelastic PDMS film.
(EH) Schematic illustration of the GAP at (E) dynamic attachment state (AS) and (F) detachment state (DS), and the reversible deformation of the LCN trunk at (G) unfolding state and (H) the bending state.
(I) Vertical climbing performance of GeiwBot on a glass surface in temporal sequence. Scale bar: 5mm.
The next step for researchers is to develop a light-only powered climbing soft robot that does not need a magnetic field and uses near-infrared radiation instead of UV light to improve biocompatibility.
Synthetic
The GeiwBot represents an important step in innovation in soft robotics. Although there are still limitations to overcome, this development represents a significant advancement for the use of biomimetics and smart materials for soft robots.
As highlighted by Dr. Boxin Zhao, professor of chemical engineering atUniversity of Waterloo« Nature is a great source of inspiration and nanotechnology is an exciting way to apply its lessons ».
The work on the GeiwBot was published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science under the title “ Gecko-and-inchworm-inspired untethered soft robot for climbing on walls and ceilings ».
Illustration of the study in videos
Detachment of biomimetic hybrid configurations under the effect of light
Climbing on a horizontal glass substrate.
Climbing on a vertical polyimide substrate (wall).
Climbing on a vertical aluminum support (wall)
Climbing on an inverted polyimide substrate (ceiling).
For a better understanding
What is GeiwBot?
The GeiwBot is a miniature robot developed by engineers at the University of Waterloo. It is inspired by the grasping ability of geckos and the locomotion of caterpillars.
The GeiwBot uses ultraviolet (UV) light and magnetic force to move across any surface, including walls and ceilings.
How big is the GeiwBot?
The GeiwBot is approximately four centimeters long, three millimeters wide and one millimeter thick.
What are the potential applications of GeiwBot?
The GeiwBot could be used to help doctors carry out surgical interventions, for detection or search in dangerous or hard-to-reach places during rescue operations.
What’s next for researchers?
The researchers plan to develop a light-only climbing soft robot that does not need a magnetic field and uses near-infrared radiation instead of UV light to improve biocompatibility.
An article on this work, entitled “Gecko-and-inchworm-inspired untethered soft robot for climbing on walls and ceilings” (Untethered Soft Robot for Climbing Walls and Ceilings), is published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
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