‘2mm ant robot’ that prints out with 3D printer

Georgia Tech’s research team announced that they have developed micro-bristle-bots, robots measuring only 2mm in size. The robot, shaped like a small ant, can be printed on a 3D printer and moved using ultrasonic vibrations.

The body length of this robot is 2mm, the thickness is 0.8mm, and the weight is 5mg. It moves forward through microscopic vibrations. The diameter is 19.05mm, which is comparable to a one cent coin. It consists of a piezoelectric actuator output to a 3D printer through two-photon lithography technology. The piezoelectric actuator vibrates ultrasonically based on the power supplied from the outside. This vibration moves the elastic leg up and down and the robot moves forward. The size, diameter, and design of the robot foot are designed to correspond to the vibration frequency. It is said to be 2mm in size by controlling the moving speed according to the vibration amplitude, but it is also possible to move 8mm per second.

The research team is said to be conducting research that allows the robot to be freely controlled by combining other micro-headed robots. In addition, research on robots that move using not only vibration but also magnetic force is underway. If a robot using magnetic force is realized, it may be possible to move several micro-headed robots at once.

This robot is expected to be active as a medical robot in the future. In addition, research and discovery of the collective behavior of ants can be reflected in this robot. Robots work well in a laboratory environment, but there are many paths left for application. It is still in the experimental stage. Related information can be found here .