Microbots to the Rescue
AI and modern robotics with climate-friendly use cases
In this article:
What are these tiny machines with big potential
The history of micro-bots
How does the tech work
Climate-friendly and practical use cases for society
What are these tiny machines with big potential?
One of the most fascinating frontiers of tech development is robot insects. These miniature machines, inspired by nature, are creating new possibilities for science, business and society.
Robot insects, or insectoid robots, are tiny robots designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real insects. Unlike traditional robots, these small machines are built to crawl, walk or fly in ways that enable fluidity across air and water. Spanning just a few centimeters or millimeters, their size allows them to access environments that may be off-limits to larger robots. Many robot insects are equipped with sensors, artificial muscles and lightweight materials, making them agile, efficient and adaptable.
The history and development of micro-bots
The idea of building insect-like machines is not new. For decades, scientists and engineers have looked to insects for inspiration, admiring their efficiency, adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse environments. Early prototypes were limited by technology, but breakthroughs began to emerge in the early 21st century. In 2010, researchers at UC Berkeley created a robotic insect with flexible wings capable of hovering, marking a significant milestone.
Since then, teams at MIT have developed flying robotic insects that can hover for an extended period of time and perform complex aerial maneuvers. Advances in soft robotics have led to the creation of robots like DEAnsect, which can walk, jump and even navigate autonomously. Legged microrobots, such as BHMbot, have achieved impressive running speeds and agility, demonstrating the potential for rapid, insect-like movement.
How does the tech work?
The engineering behind robot insects has advanced significantly within the past few years. Flying robots often use flapping wings powered by artificial muscles, made from materials like elastomers and carbon nanotubes. These “muscles” allow for lifelike wingbeats and agile flight. Legged robots use similar soft actuators or miniature motors to replicate the swining motion of the insect leg, enabling them to move quickly and efficiently.
Miniaturization is a major challenge. Building robots weighing less than a paperclip requires advancements in material science and microfabrication. Engineers must design tiny, durable components, such as wing hinges and sensors, that can withstand repeated use. Some robot insects are equipped with onboard electronics for autonomous operations, including cameras, environmental sensors and tiny batteries. Recent advancements have also improved durability, with some robots able to survive impacts of compression without losing function.
Check it out in the demonstration video at the bottom of the article.
What are the climate-friendly and practical use cases?
Technology is supposed to help the advancement of mankind. As a society, we need to focus on more positive applications of AI and robotics. Micro-bot provides a few great examples of how to benefit the environment and also serve as a practical helper in certain use cases.
Agricultural pollination
We have all read about the decline of the bee population. Robot insects could supplement or replace natural pollinators. These machines could help pollinate crops in greenhouses or vertical farms, potentially boosting yields and ensuring food security.
Environmental remediation
Robot insects inspired by water striders have been developed to operate on water surfaces, where they can be used for cleaning up pollutants or monitoring water quality. These robots can be controlled by light and are capable of manipulating the water’s surface to move and perform tasks such as collecting contaminants or releasing chemicals for environmental cleanup.