Next-generation Microrobots - Acoustically Controlled Helical Microswimmers

Short clips showcasing Acoustically Controlled Helical Microrobots

As a next-generation toolkit, microrobots can transform a wide range of fields, including micromanufacturing, electronics, microfluidics, tissue engineering, and medicine. Acoustically actuated microrobots are becoming increasingly attractive.
Next-generation acoustically powered microrobots.

The helical microrobot has a lengthof 350 μm and a diameter of 100μm that is capableof locomotion using a fin-like double-helix microstructure. This microrobot responds to soundstimuli at ~12 to 19 kHz and mimics the spiral motion of natural microswimmers such as spirochetes. Moreover, these microrobot has the unique feature of its directionality being switchable by simply tuning the acoustic frequency. Their locomotion in 2D and 3D artificial vasculatures based on a single sound source.

Research from: Denget al.,Sci. Adv.9, eadh5260 (2023)