Microscopic device architecture

Unlike previous designs that relied on external magnetic fields or laser control, the new microrobots are completely autonomous. They are based on CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology, which is used in the production of modern processors for computers and smartphones. This made it possible to place a complete logic circuit responsible for programming movements on an area of ​​less than 1 mm.

• Using silicon photovoltaics for power.

• Integration of over 1000 transistors on the area of ​​a single microchip.

• Platinum actuators that act as limbs.

Movement using platinum legs

The biggest challenge for the engineers was to make such a tiny structure move. The solution was found in the use of special actuators made of ultra-thin layers of platinum. When an electrical signal of a few volts is applied to these legs, the platinum expands, causing the structure to bend. This creates a walking effect similar to the movements of microscopic insects.

Programming and AI autonomy

The key difference between these robots is their ability to be programmed. Thanks to the built-in chip, the robot can receive a sequence of commands and execute them autonomously. This means that the device is able to independently change the direction of movement, respond to changes in the environment, or perform specific tasks according to a given algorithm. The use of AI algorithms in the future will allow such groups of robots to work together, creating a swarm for complex operations.

Medicine of the future: surgeries without a scalpel

The technology’s main potential lies in biomedicine. At less than 250 micrometers in size (smaller than the period at the end of this sentence), these robots can travel through the human circulatory system. Scientists predict that soon such autonomous systems will be able to perform tasks such as targeted drug delivery, fighting bacteria, or even microsurgery inside arteries.

• Cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.

• Local destruction of cancer cells without harming healthy tissues.

• Real-time monitoring of biochemical parameters.

Scalability and production

One of the main advantages is the manufacturing method. Since the robots are created using standard photolithography, they can be mass-produced. Up to 1 million of these devices can be placed on a single 4-inch silicon wafer. The cost of producing a single unit in mass production is a few cents, making the technology economically viable.

Challenges and energy consumption

Despite the success, there are some difficulties. The main problem is the power supply. Currently, microrobots are powered by light that falls on their photocells. To work deep inside the human body, where light does not penetrate, scientists will have to look for alternative power sources, for example, the chemical energy of glucose or ultrasonic waves. The development of such micromotors is ongoing, and the research budget is estimated at millions of dollars.

Environmental monitoring

In addition to medicine, autonomous microrobots could become indispensable in ecology. They could be used to detect microplastics in the oceans or to monitor toxic leaks in hard-to-reach places. Thanks to built-in sensors, they can collect data on the composition of water or soil and transmit it to a base station.

Conclusions: small becomes big

The emergence of fully programmable microrobots is not just a scientific achievement, but a paradigm shift in electronics and robotics. The combination of CMOS technologies, AI and new materials allows you to create complex systems where previously there was no room even for wires. A future where microscopic helpers save lives and clean the planet is getting closer.