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Can microrobots improve the safety of dairy products?

Researchers developed magnetic microrobots that can bind and isolate S. aureus from milk, improving dairy safety. The 'MagRobots' use antibodies to target the bacteria, allowing for efficient pathogen isolation while preserving naturally occurring microbes.

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Tiny particles work together to do big things

Researchers at MIT designed simple microparticles that can collectively generate complex behavior, generating a beating clock that can power tiny robotic devices. The particles use a simple chemical reaction to interact with each other and create an oscillatory electrical signal.

Emergence of a game changer in the field of medical microrobots

Researchers at DGIST have developed a mass production method for biodegradable microrobots that can disappear into the body after delivering cells and drugs. The microrobots were created using a high-speed manufacturing method and were able to move to a desired location by controlling an external magnetic field. The stem cell carrying ...

Tiny swimming robots treat deadly pneumonia in mice

Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed microscopic robots called microrobots that can swim around in the lungs and deliver medication. The microrobots safely eliminated pneumonia-causing bacteria in mice, resulting in 100% survival rates, whereas untreated mice died within three days.

Smart microrobots walk autonomously with electronic ‘brains’

Researchers at Cornell University have created smart microrobots that can walk autonomously using electronic brains. The robots, powered by photovoltaics, feature a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) clock circuit and platinum-based actuators. With this innovation, scientists can track bacteria, sniff out chemicals, destroy...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Smart microrobots learn how to swim and navigate with artificial intelligence

Researchers successfully taught microrobots to swim via deep reinforcement learning, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions and perform complex maneuvers. The AI-powered swimmers can navigate toward any target location on their own, showcasing their robust performance in fluid flows and uncontrolled environments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Turning white blood cells into medicinal microrobots with light

Researchers have successfully used lasers to control neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, as natural microrobots in living fish. The 'neutrobots' can perform multiple tasks, including delivering drugs to precise locations in the body, and show promise for targeted drug delivery and disease treatment.

Shapeshifting microrobots can brush and floss teeth

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a hands-free system that uses shapeshifting microrobots to brush, floss and treat teeth. The microrobots use magnetic fields to conform to different shapes and release antimicrobials to kill oral bacteria.

Self-propelled, endlessly programmable artificial cilia

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material, single-stimuli microstructure that can outmaneuver even living cilia. These programmable structures could be used for soft robotics, biocompatible medical devices, and dynamic information encryption.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Microrobot collectives display versatile movement patterns

Researchers have developed microrobot collectives that can move in various formations, reconfiguring their behavior quickly and robustly. The systems use a combination of magnetic forces, fluid dynamics, and computation to achieve coordinated patterns of motion.

Molecular robots work cooperatively in swarms

Researchers developed micro-sized machines utilizing swarming strategy for cargo delivery, outperforming single robots with efficiency of up to five times. The team created a swarm of cooperating robots that can divide workload and respond to risks, expanding potential uses for microrobots.

Catching a buzz: Robot bees to help study pollination

Researchers aim to replicate buzz pollination using microrobots to understand its importance in agriculture and conservation. The project could lead to stronger motivation for conserving diverse bee species and optimizing fruit and vegetable yields.

How animal swarms respond to threats

Researchers used microrobots to demonstrate how a swarm of animals can complete an optimum flight response even if individual animals do not notice the threat or they react incorrectly. The study suggests that missing information from individual members can be compensated by other members, which may explain why animals organize themsel...

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tiny biohybrid robots for intelligent drug delivery

Biohybrid micro- and nanorobots promise to deliver drugs to body tissues with high precision, enabling tasks such as cancer treatment, cell microsurgery, and tissue engineering. Researchers envision incorporating novel biological components into robots to overcome immune responses and increase efficiency in manufacturing.

Bristol scientists develop insect-sized flying robots with flapping wings

A new drive system has been developed for flapping wing autonomous robots, eliminating the need for conventional motors and gears. The Liquid-amplified Zipping Actuator (LAZA) achieves wing motion without rotating parts or gears, simplifying the flapping mechanism and enabling miniaturization to insect size.

Bone growth inspired “microrobots” that can create their own bone

Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Mobile molecular robots swim in water

Researchers have created a microcrystal that utilizes self-continuous reciprocating motion for propulsion, enabling the microrobot to move itself sustainably in water. The microrobots exhibited different styles of propulsion and were affected by fin length, ratio, and elevation angle.

Shape-morphing microrobots deliver drugs to cancer cells (video)

Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Lasers create miniature robots from bubbles (video)

Researchers have used lasers to create bubble microrobots that can form inseparable shapes and control their movement. The robots can manipulate small pieces into interconnected structures with unbreakable connections.

Wielding a laser beam deep inside the body

A new laser-steering microrobot allows for precise control of laser beams in minimally invasive surgeries, enhancing surgical capabilities and precision. The device, developed by Harvard researchers, can be integrated into existing endoscopic tools and offers a non-disruptive solution for advancing surgery.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

All-terrain microrobot flips through a live colon

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of microrobot that can navigate through the rough terrain of a human colon, enabling potential targeted drug delivery without causing side effects. The microrobots use magnetic fields to tumble and move through the colon, allowing for controlled release of medication.

What tiny surfing robots teach us about surface tension

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed tiny surfing robots that can manipulate surface tension to propel themselves through water. This breakthrough could lead to new biomedical applications, such as surgery, by understanding the colonization of bacteria in the body.

Next-generation cockroach-inspired robot is small but mighty

Researchers at Harvard have developed HAMR-JR, a half-scale cockroach-inspired microrobot that can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime. The tiny robot, about the size of a penny, boasts unprecedented dexterity and speed, defying conventional design limitations.

Screw cancer: Microneedle sticks it to cancer tissue

Researchers have developed a microneedle that effectively targets and remains attached to cancerous tissue in lab experiments without needing continuous application of a magnetic field. The new technology allows for more precise drug delivery, avoiding unwanted side effects.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Acoustically driven microrobots

Researchers designed acoustically driven microrobots capable of fast unidirectional locomotion and surface slipping. The robots' thrust forces were significantly stronger than those of microorganisms, enabling deployment in the human vascular system for medical purposes.

Self-driving microrobots

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new approach to create autonomous microrobots that can detect and repair defects in synthetic materials. The microrobots use shape-shifting materials to navigate and perform tasks such as distributed sensing, delivery of therapeutic cargo, and on-demand repairs.

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

RoboBee powered by soft muscles

Researchers at Harvard develop resilient RoboBee with soft artificial muscles that can withstand collisions and achieve controlled hovering flight. The breakthrough solves long-standing challenges in microrobotics, paving the way for potential applications in search and rescue missions.

Microrobots clean up radioactive waste (video)

Researchers have created tiny, self-propelled robots that can remove radioactive uranium from wastewater. The microrobots use a rod-shaped material called ZIF-8 and propel themselves using hydrogen peroxide fuel, successfully removing 96% of the uranium in an hour.

Developed biodegradable anti-cancer treatment micro-robot

A biodegradable microrobot has been developed to perform hyperthermia treatment and control drug release, enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatment. The microrobot can carry out precise transport of drugs through wireless control using an external magnetic field.

Microrobots show promise for treating tumors

Microrobots, made of magnesium and gold, are designed to deliver medication to specific spots inside the body. They use photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) to navigate to tumors and release their payload.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Microrobots to change the way we work with cellular material

The new microrobots can load, transport and deliver cellular material with greater speed and less damage than traditional methods, opening up a wide range of applications in life sciences and beyond. They also enable precise control over cell behavior, which is crucial for regenerative medicine and neural repair.

The RoboBee flies solo

The RoboBee has successfully flown solo for the first time, with a wingspan of four wings allowing it to lift off without additional power. The vehicle's weight is 259 milligrams, making it the lightest untethered flight ever achieved.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Smart microrobots that can adapt to their surroundings

Researchers have created biocompatible microrobots inspired by bacteria that can swim through fluids and modify their shape as needed. These devices use embodied intelligence to navigate complex systems without compromising speed or maneuverability.

All-terrain microbot moves by tumbling over complex topography

The 'microscale magnetic tumbling robot' can traverse uneven surfaces and climb steep inclines in both dry and wet environments. Researchers developed the bot using standard photolithography techniques and explored its performance in fluid media to address unique challenges at the micro-scale.

New RoboBee flies, dives, swims and explodes out the of water

The new RoboBee, 1,000 times lighter than previous robots, uses floating devices and an internal combustion system to stabilize on the water's surface before propelling itself back into the air. The robot can perform search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and biological studies.

New remote-controlled microrobots for medical operations

Researchers created complex reconfigurable microrobots that can be manufactured with high throughput, mimicking the behavior of bacteria to deliver drugs or perform precise operations. The robots are soft, flexible, and motor-less, using electromagnetic fields and heat to control their movement.

Minimalist swimming microrobots

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a fabrication method for swimming microrobots using just two conjoined microparticles coated with magnetic debris. The microswimmers can be controlled by an external magnetic field, allowing for control over speed and direction.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.

Drexel research helps bacteria-powered microrobots plot a course

A team of engineers at Drexel University has developed a method for making bacteria-powered microrobots agile, enabling them to detect obstacles and navigate around them. The robots use electric fields to steer clear of hazards, providing a new level of automation in hybrid microrobotics research.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Microrobots learn from ciliates

Researchers create microrobots that mimic the movement of ciliates, beating filaments propelled by green light. The robots exhibit wave-like movements and can potentially be used for medical applications, such as detecting and curing diseases.

Microbots individually controlled using 'mini force fields'

Microbots are controlled using individual magnetic fields from an array of tiny planar coils, allowing for independent movement and cooperative manipulation tasks. This technology aims to enhance manufacturing and biomedical research applications.

These microscopic fish are 3-D-printed to do more than swim

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed a new method to build microscopic robots with complex shapes and functionalities. The researchers created microfish-shaped microrobots that can swim efficiently in liquids, are chemically powered by hydrogen peroxide, and magnetically controlled.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.