Engineers have created a small robot that can scan and capture objects. This was reported by the University of Waterloo and a scientific paper describing the invention. published Physics in Cell Reports.
The creators claim that this is the first soft robot of its kind that does not require a connection to an external power source, providing mobility and versatility of use. The device, called GeiwBot, is 4 centimeters long, 3 millimeters wide and 1 millimeter thick. In size and proportion, the robot resembles a worm, but moves more like a caterpillar.
The robot is made of liquid crystal elastomers that respond to light. It is the energy of light that bends the “worm” and moves it. At the ends of the “trunk” are grip pads, which are actuated by a powerful magnet. Thus, the robot can move on walls and ceilings without batteries.
The authors hope that such robots will be useful in surgeries and in examining hard-to-reach places on the human body.