this innovative process makes it possible to obtain robots in a single step

Researchers at the University of California have developed a promising new 3D printing process, making it possible to obtain small robots capable of performing different tasks in a single step.

3D printed “meta-bots”

The manufacture of robots, regardless of their size, usually involves a series of complex processes. In comparison, the new technique of‘3d printingrecently described in the journal Science Advances, makes it possible to obtain all the mechanical and electronic systems in a single step necessary for the operation of small robotic devices.

This method ” all in one was made possible by advancements in the design and printing of piezoelectric meta-materialscapable of changing shape in response to an electric field (they can notably bend, twist, expand or contract in a fraction of a second).

” The internal network of our 3D printed programmable nano-bots consists of sensory, mobile and structural elements, allowing them not only to walk, maneuver and jump, but also to sense and adapt to their environment. “, detail the scientists.

A series of experiments demonstrated that the integration of a battery and a controller made it possible to obtain different types of meta bots the size of a fully autonomous fingernail. The first was able to navigate efficiently in a complex environment, avoiding randomly placed obstacles, the second managed to escape an impact thanks to its detection system, while the third evolved on uneven ground, performing small jumps when necessary.

Different applications

According to the study authors, such a manufacturing technique paves the way for a new generation of robots, that could be used in the medical field (self-guided endoscopes, swimming robots capable of moving inside our blood vessels and delivering medicinal compounds, etc.) or dedicated to the exploration of hazardous environments or difficult to access.

” Eventually, this approach could replace the complex assembly process currently required to obtain a robot. “Said Xiaoyu Zheng, lead author of the study.

A few weeks ago, another team of American researchers unveiled the smallest remote-controlled walking robot in the world, whose movements were controlled by a laser beam.