Innovative development will save millions of lives.
Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking soft robot that can swim and detect chemical molecules and viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in hard-to-reach places. The dolphin-tail-inspired robot weighs just 5.3 grams and can move and monitor in tight spaces, such as pipelines, which was previously extremely difficult.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights the potential of this invention for real-time monitoring in confined spaces. The main feature of the robot is a combination of movement and detection abilities, which is rare in mobile robots. According to the South China Morning Post, project leader Dr. Li Dengfeng of the City University of Hong Kong said the researchers ' goal was to create a robot that floats "like a dolphin."
The robot is equipped with an electromagnetic actuation system for controlling magnets, simulating the movement of a dolphin's tail, and can move in water. The device also houses electrode sensors that can be adapted to detect a variety of molecules depending on public health needs, from heavy metals to biological particles to nuclear pollutants.
Dr. Lee emphasized that the robot's design "increases the efficiency and flexibility of mobile electronic monitoring systems without compromising performance in tight spaces." An important feature is its wireless functionality, which allows it to work seamlessly and without cables in closed cyclic environments, such as circular pipes.
The researchers decided to abandon traditional batteries and use radio frequency signals obtained from electromagnetic fields emitted by an external coil to power the robot. This strategic choice not only reduces the robot's weight, but also allows it to charge wirelessly while simultaneously monitoring its surroundings.
The research team sees potential applications of the soft robot in a variety of scenarios, including pipelines, everyday waters, and even inside the human body. Despite limitations in the robot's design, such as the use of radio frequency energy, which limits the robot's working distance to a maximum of 4 cm, and data transmission to a smartphone, which is limited to a communication range of 10 cm, Dr. Li is confident in his technology. He believes that this distance is sufficient for applications in pipelines, everyday water, and even in the human body.
The team also expressed the importance of expanding the robot's sensory capabilities to work in more diverse scenarios. They offer potential adaptations for use inside the human body, such as monitoring stomach acids or performing electrostimulation therapy.
Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking soft robot that can swim and detect chemical molecules and viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in hard-to-reach places. The dolphin-tail-inspired robot weighs just 5.3 grams and can move and monitor in tight spaces, such as pipelines, which was previously extremely difficult.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights the potential of this invention for real-time monitoring in confined spaces. The main feature of the robot is a combination of movement and detection abilities, which is rare in mobile robots. According to the South China Morning Post, project leader Dr. Li Dengfeng of the City University of Hong Kong said the researchers ' goal was to create a robot that floats "like a dolphin."
The robot is equipped with an electromagnetic actuation system for controlling magnets, simulating the movement of a dolphin's tail, and can move in water. The device also houses electrode sensors that can be adapted to detect a variety of molecules depending on public health needs, from heavy metals to biological particles to nuclear pollutants.
Dr. Lee emphasized that the robot's design "increases the efficiency and flexibility of mobile electronic monitoring systems without compromising performance in tight spaces." An important feature is its wireless functionality, which allows it to work seamlessly and without cables in closed cyclic environments, such as circular pipes.
The researchers decided to abandon traditional batteries and use radio frequency signals obtained from electromagnetic fields emitted by an external coil to power the robot. This strategic choice not only reduces the robot's weight, but also allows it to charge wirelessly while simultaneously monitoring its surroundings.
The research team sees potential applications of the soft robot in a variety of scenarios, including pipelines, everyday waters, and even inside the human body. Despite limitations in the robot's design, such as the use of radio frequency energy, which limits the robot's working distance to a maximum of 4 cm, and data transmission to a smartphone, which is limited to a communication range of 10 cm, Dr. Li is confident in his technology. He believes that this distance is sufficient for applications in pipelines, everyday water, and even in the human body.
The team also expressed the importance of expanding the robot's sensory capabilities to work in more diverse scenarios. They offer potential adaptations for use inside the human body, such as monitoring stomach acids or performing electrostimulation therapy.
