
Representative experiment of a modular microrobot. From (a), a 3-bead robotic microswimmer approaches and assemble with a single non-motile bead and transform into a 4-bead microswimmer. From (b–f), the microswimmer continues to approach and combine with single beads, and eventually modulate into a 9-bead microswimmer. At (g), the 9-bead microswimmer breaks into three different microswimmers under high rotation frequency due to increased shear stress leading to structural flexing.
Drexel Uni researchers have successfully pulled off a feat that both sci-fi fans and Michael Phelps could appreciate. Using a rotating magnetic field they show how multiple chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots can link up to reach impressive speeds swimming through in a microfluidic environment...
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