Sperm-Like Microbots Controlled by Magnets

Jun-06-14 Tiny, sperm-like microbots that can be controlled a magnetic field no stronger than a refrigerator magnet's could have applications in both medicine and manufacturing.

The tiny bots, about six times longer than a human sperm, are made up of a metal-coated head and a flexible body made from a strong polymer. The bots' heads have been coated with a metal layer using electron beam evaporation, which allows the head to be forced in a different direction when subjected to a magnetic field. Once the bot has been aligned in the desired direction, it can propel itself forward by flapping its tail.

According to the developers, the most striking aspect of the tiny bot technology is "the oscillating, small, tunable magnetic field," which allows the power and navigation components to lie outside the bots and enable them to be so small.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[BBC]

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