Engineers at the University of Waterloo have developed a tiny, untethered robot that could potentially revolutionize surgery. The robot takes inspiration from the gripping ability of geckos and the efficient locomotion of inchworms.
Meet GeiwBot
Unlike many robots, the GeiwBot does not require connection to an external power source. Instead, it uses ultraviolet (UV) light and magnetic force to climb on any surface, including walls and ceilings. This enables remote operation and versatility for potential applications, such as assisting surgeons and exploring hard-to-reach areas.
A unique material uses molecular level physics to create movement
GeiwBot is made using liquid crystal elastomers and synthetic adhesive pads. The robot is constructed from a smart material that can be altered at the molecular level to create movement. A light-responsive polymer strip simulates the arching and stretching motion of an inchworm, while gecko-inspired magnet pads at either end do the gripping. The GeiwBot, which is about four centimeters long, three millimeters wide, and one millimeter thick, can climb on a vertical wall and across the ceiling without being tethered to a power source.
Dr. Boxin Zhao, a professor of chemical engineering, said,
“This work is the first time a holistic soft robot has climbed on inverted surfaces, advancing state-of-the-art soft robotics innovation. We are optimistic about its potential, with much more development, in several different fields.”
Potential uses for GeiwBot
The GeiwBot paves the way for potential surgical applications via remote operation inside the human body and for sensing or searching in dangerous or hard-to-reach places during rescue operations. The next step for researchers is to develop a solely light-driven climbing soft robot that doesn’t require a magnetic field and uses near-infrared radiation instead of UV light to improve biocompatibility.
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Tiny new robot - dubbed the GeiwBot via University of Waterloo with usage type - Commercial license. To be used with this press release or stories about this research.Featured Image Credit
Tiny new robot - dubbed the GeiwBot via University of Waterloo with usage type - Commercial license. To be used with this press release or stories about this research.
