Chinese scientists have developed an innovative system for launching miniature robots based on light energy. This invention has the potential to revolutionize ballistics and the aerospace industry.
Light microrobots
Innovative development
A team of researchers led by Chinese experts has created a unique light-activated launch system for miniature robots. This invention could revolutionize the fields of ballistics and astronautics.
Natural inspiration
Scientists took inspiration from the natural seed dispersal mechanism of the plant Ecballium elaterium, known as the crazy cucumber. Based on this principle, they developed a hydrogel trigger device that exploits the rapid evaporation of liquid caused by the photothermal reaction of an integrated graphene suspension.
Unique characteristics
According to the developers, their invention is capable of releasing energy in a record 0.3 milliseconds. This feature allows the robot to launch from a variety of surfaces, including foliage, tree bark, and even viscous liquids.
The miniature disc-shaped device has a diameter of only 7 mm and a thickness of 3 mm, but is capable of vertical jumps to a height of more than 1.93 meters, which is 643 times its height. own sizes.
Practical Applications
The researchers demonstrated the potential of their invention by creating the concept of "smart seeds." They attached a seed and an RFID tag to the hydrogel base. After being launched onto a specially prepared “smart” field, the sensors read the tag, determining the type of seeds and providing instructions for growing them.
Prospects for use
Scientists see broad possibilities for using their invention in various fields. In particular, it can be used to create medical microrobots that can penetrate deep into body tissue, or to develop advanced seeding systems in the agricultural sector. In addition, due to its ability to quickly pick up speed and its soft structure, this robot has the potential to be used as a kind of “soft projectile”.
The results of the study were published in the authoritative scientific publication Nature. The scientists emphasize that their power amplification strategy lays the foundation for the development of propulsive motion, which significantly expands the capabilities of miniaturized soft robotic systems.
Glossary
- Ecballium elaterium (crazy cucumber) is a plant of the gourd family known for its mechanism seed splashing.
- RFID is a radio frequency identification technology used for automatic object recognition.
- Nature is one of the most authoritative international scientific journals.
- Hydrogel is a material that can hold a large amount of water in its structure.
- Graphene is a form of carbon consisting of a flat layer of atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.
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Chinese scientists have developed an innovative system for launching miniature robots using a light drive. Inspired by the seed-spraying mechanism of the mad cucumber, this invention could revolutionize ballistics and aerospace.
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Liam
Wow, this is simply incredible! 🤖 Imagine how such robots can change medicine. Microrobots that penetrate tissue for targeted drug delivery - this is a breakthrough!
Sophie
I agree with you, Liam! And in agriculture this can create a real revolution. Smart seeds that know where and how to grow - sounds like science fiction! 🌱
Giovanni
I was most impressed by the reaction speed - 0.3 milliseconds! This opens up enormous opportunities in robotics. I wonder what other applications can be found for such a lightning-fast reaction? 🤔
Amelia
Giovanni, I think this could be useful in rescue operations. Imagine robots that can react instantly to changes in a dangerous environment. This could save many lives! 🚀
Klaus
Ha, another fashionable toy. Smart seeds, soft bullets... This all sounds like a waste of time and resources. It would be better to work on solving real problems, rather than inventing these high-tech trinkets.
Isabella
Klaus, don't be such a skeptic! 😄 Innovation often starts with something that seems ridiculous. Remember how people treated the idea of flight at the dawn of aviation. And now we fly to other continents!
Pierre
Isabella is right. By the way, I was amazed that the source of inspiration was an ordinary cucumber! 🥒 This once again proves that nature is the best engineer. I wonder what other secrets she keeps?
Liam
Pierre, great point! Biomimicry is an exciting field. Imagine how many more amazing technologies we can create just by carefully observing nature. It's really exciting! 🌿🔬