First of its kind folding microbots can perform multiple tasks
Origami-inspired micro machines can tackle various tasks with agility and precision
Machines have gotten smaller and more efficient over the years. However, the majority of these microscopic-scale machines have limited capabilities due to restrictive movements — something which the scientists have been working to rectify. The most extensive use case of this kind of technology could be seen in the Healthcare sector. I have recently talked about the extended role of nanotechnology in the future of Healthcare.
Taking inspiration from the Japanese art of Origami, researchers at the University of Michigan have taken this approach to create more agile micro machines to be used in diverse fields like medical equipment and infrastructure sensing. The team intends to resolve the maneuverability of these microscale machines with this innovative design.
“We’ve come up with a new way to design, fabricate and actuate microbots. We’ve been the first to bring advanced origami folding capabilities into one integrated microbot system.”
~ Evgueni Filipov, Lead Researcher
