Microbots: Robotics for the Near Future

One of the most exciting developments in robotics resulted from the progress in robotic miniaturization. Previously “micro” was a prefix that indicated the robot was small; in the last few years, the terminology has become more precise. Microbots are tiny robotic devices that measure less than one millimeter. Microbots don’t have great computational powers; however, they make up for it in affordability and the potential to use them in large numbers. Large groups of microbots are called swarms or I-SWARMS. I-SWARM stands for intelligent small world autonomous robots for micromanipulation. The behavior of these tiny robots is based on group behavior of insects such as ants. They interact through a system called swarm communication and gather data from many perspectives referred to as collective perception.

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This technology allows humans to solve problems in environments that are too small or too dangerous for them to explore themselves. For example, a swarm of microbots might be sent into collapsed buildings to scout for survivors after an earthquake. Thousand of heat-resistant microbots could be sent into buildings devastated by fire or bombs and send back information to investigators about possible survivors or toxic gases present in the rubble. Pinpointing the location of victims would help rescue teams evacuate them more quickly with less risk to survivors and rescuers. They could leave sensors or tiny cameras throughout the ruins providing a search and rescue team with information vital to their success. Once rescuers are on the scene, microbots could aid them further. If a victim’s leg or arm is pinned under fallen debris, a new group of microbots could pinpoint the exact location of the trapped limb and prevent further injury when the trapped limb is released from the wreckage. Urban search and rescue teams could use microbots to resolve gas leaks, chemical spills, and in many other high-risk situations.

Another field that will benefit from microbot technology is medicine. Scientists in South Korea have designed hybrid cell-powered microbot. The hybrid cells are created using muscle tissue from a neonatal rat’s heart that is then grown onto the skeleton of the microbot. These tiny robots have the potential to travel through arteries leading to the heart releasing chemicals that clear blockages. They are also capable of working inside the heart. The microbots do not need an external power source; they use and store the energy created when the heart muscle contracts and relaxed. The robot’s three short front legs bend inward when the heart muscle contracts. The resulting friction between the short front legs and the three long back legs propels the rectangular microbot forward. Scientists estimate that these crab-like moving microbots travel about 100 micrometers per second. These microbots could be available to the medical community as early as 2020.

Microbots can and will be used in space exploration to gather data for scientists. Atmospheres hostile to the frail human condition will not affect the tiny robots sent into space. The infinitesimal robots will also benefit the military in numerous ways. They will be able to gather information under conditions that have previously been too dangerous or inaccessible to military personnel. These robots will not be restricted to land; they will be airborne and function underwater.

The technology of micro robotics has the potential to affect almost every aspect of human life, private or public. Is this for the public good? That debate has already begun and will continue as the technology is used in different situations. One concern is that robots will replace or at least substantially decrease the need for a human workforce. The same argument was put forth during the mechanical revolution, yet mankind adapted and thrived. Hand-made items might be more highly valued and crafts people might benefit as their goods became more in demand. Any gains in technology bring heated debate and a restructuring of societal values. Ultimately, the benefits will be in the hands of those who use the technology.

Copyright GLORIA 2008