CarderPlanet
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The MilliMobile prototype weighs only a gram, but is pleasantly surprised by its functionality.
Scientists from the University of Washington presented a prototype of the MilliMobile robot, designed for long travel without the need for frequent charging. The tiny four-wheeled robot measures just 10 mm on each side and weighs about 1 gram.
The key feature of the MilliMobile is that the robot does not have a built-in battery. Instead, it features two motors, a carbon fiber chassis, a folding circuit board, a light sensor, solar cells, and an antenna.
In addition, the robot is able to transport cargo weighing up to three times its own weight. For example, cameras and environmental sensors.
Real dimensions of the MilliMobile robot
The robot moves on flat surfaces, such as floors or asphalt, using the energy of ambient light and radio waves. The speed of its movement is low, but even on a cloudy day it is able to cover a distance of approximately 9 m in an hour.
Researchers have not yet been able to achieve continuous movement, so the robot consistently overcomes small segments of the path. Kyle Johnson, co-author of the study, noted that the idea for the robot was inspired by the concept of "intermittent computing", which divides complex tasks into small steps, allowing the device to work as energy is available.
Using the light sensor, the robot can move independently in the direction of its source. In the tests performed, the MilliMobile successfully transmitted data from the built-in light, temperature and humidity sensors via Bluetooth.
In the future, many such robots can interact with each other, exchanging data. Potential applications include monitoring soil moisture on farms, inspecting equipment in factories, or detecting sources of gas leaks.
Scientists from the University of Washington presented a prototype of the MilliMobile robot, designed for long travel without the need for frequent charging. The tiny four-wheeled robot measures just 10 mm on each side and weighs about 1 gram.
The key feature of the MilliMobile is that the robot does not have a built-in battery. Instead, it features two motors, a carbon fiber chassis, a folding circuit board, a light sensor, solar cells, and an antenna.
In addition, the robot is able to transport cargo weighing up to three times its own weight. For example, cameras and environmental sensors.
Real dimensions of the MilliMobile robot
The robot moves on flat surfaces, such as floors or asphalt, using the energy of ambient light and radio waves. The speed of its movement is low, but even on a cloudy day it is able to cover a distance of approximately 9 m in an hour.
Researchers have not yet been able to achieve continuous movement, so the robot consistently overcomes small segments of the path. Kyle Johnson, co-author of the study, noted that the idea for the robot was inspired by the concept of "intermittent computing", which divides complex tasks into small steps, allowing the device to work as energy is available.
Using the light sensor, the robot can move independently in the direction of its source. In the tests performed, the MilliMobile successfully transmitted data from the built-in light, temperature and humidity sensors via Bluetooth.
In the future, many such robots can interact with each other, exchanging data. Potential applications include monitoring soil moisture on farms, inspecting equipment in factories, or detecting sources of gas leaks.
