Researchers Create Tiny Robots for Mass Production
Robyn Currie — August 29, 2009 — Art & Design
Teams of scientists throughout Europe are in the process of creating what can best be described as tiny flea-sized robots. These robots are being designed to do almost anything, from cleaning to surveillance and medical work.
When the researchers say they are making flea-sized robots, they mean it: “their length, width, and height each measuring less than 4 mm. The robots are powered by a solar cell on top, and move by three vibrating legs. A fourth vibrating leg is used as a touch sensor.”
Creating one robot is very simple, the main goal is to eventually mass produce the robots with the ability to communicate with one another while fulfilling various tasks; at which point the researchers will scream “Fly my pretties!” as the robots go out to do their bidding.
When the researchers say they are making flea-sized robots, they mean it: “their length, width, and height each measuring less than 4 mm. The robots are powered by a solar cell on top, and move by three vibrating legs. A fourth vibrating leg is used as a touch sensor.”
Creating one robot is very simple, the main goal is to eventually mass produce the robots with the ability to communicate with one another while fulfilling various tasks; at which point the researchers will scream “Fly my pretties!” as the robots go out to do their bidding.
Trend Themes
1. Miniature Robotics - The trend of developing flea-sized robots is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the field of robotics, enabling applications in cleaning, surveillance, and medical work.
2. Mass Production - The trend of mass producing tiny robots opens up disruptive innovation possibilities in manufacturing industries, allowing for cost-effective production and scalability.
3. Wireless Communication - The trend of developing robots that can communicate with one another presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of wireless communication, enabling collaborative tasks and advanced functionalities.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The robotics industry can benefit from the development of flea-sized robots by exploring new applications and expanding the use of miniature robotics in various sectors.
2. Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry can leverage the mass production of tiny robots to drive process automation and streamline operations, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
3. Wireless Technology - The wireless technology industry can seize the opportunity of enabling communication between tiny robots, paving the way for innovative applications and advancements in wireless connectivity.
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