Ketiz Singh

The Incredible World of Micro Robots Explained!

Imagine robots the size of bees, jumping on water, powered by tiny engines – these are the micro robots of the future! And we got a sneak peek into the best micro robotics labs in the world to uncover their secrets.

The Tiny Yellow Submarine that Flies and Swims

This tiny yellow submarine can move underwater by flapping its miniature wings and even fly above water by flapping them faster. But its weight and surface tension present challenges in transitioning between the two environments.

• Surface tension is a physics phenomenon at smaller scales that restricts movement in water.
• The submarine uses a spring mechanism to mimic a flea’s leg and jump on water without breaking the surface.
• To escape the water’s surface tension, it splits water into hydrogen and oxygen for buoyancy.

Breaking Through Surface Tension

Another robot with water-repellent pads uses a positive charge to attract water molecules and break through surface tension to walk and dive underwater. These innovations mimic nature and solve challenges in micro robotic movement.

The Flight Room at MIT

MIT’s micro robotics lab is a place where robots attempt flight on a tiny scale. The robots are as small as bees, with precise components and sophisticated engineering for flight experiments.

The Future of Micro Robotics

Robots at this scale face unique challenges due to their size, requiring innovative solutions like soft polymer muscles and self-healing properties to withstand damage and continue functioning. These robots have potential applications in disaster rescue, turbine inspections, and even planetary exploration in low-gravity environments.

The journey of micro robots is driven by curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, with endless possibilities for the future. As young Indian readers, you too can contribute to the world of robotics by exploring your curiosity and passion for innovation. Who knows, you might be designing the next generation of micro robots that could change the world!