Tiny ant robots lift loads 350 times heavier than themselves

South Korean scientists have developed a swarm of microrobots that can work together to perform complex tasks such as transporting cargo, clearing blocked vessels, and forming structures for various applications.

The inspiration for this development was the behavior of ant colonies, which demonstrate a high level of collective coordination. As researchers from Hanyang University note, a key feature of their cubic microrobots is the enhanced magnetic coupling due to the large contact area of ​​​​the faces, which provides greater stability and adaptability. Such systems are resistant to failure, because even if individual elements fail, the rest continue to perform the task.

Each microrobot is made of a composite material that includes epoxy resin and ferromagnetic particles of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB). Their height is only 600 micrometers, and they respond to a rotating magnetic field, which allows them to form various configurations and control movements. For mass production of robots, an economical method of mold casting with subsequent magnetization was developed, which guarantees the stability of geometry and characteristics.

Experiments confirmed the versatility and productivity of swarms. For example, robots overcame obstacles five times their height, transported loads 350 times heavier than their weight, and formed floating structures to transport objects 2000 times the weight of a single robot. The study also demonstrated the possibility of using robots to clean tubes that mimic blocked blood vessels, and even to control small organisms.

The scientists plan to focus on improving the autonomy of the swarms, in particular, developing a real-time motion control system with feedback. The application prospects cover medicine, drug delivery, transport logistics and other technological tasks, confirming the multifunctionality of this innovation.