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Materials consideration for the design, fabrication and operation of microscale robots

Nature Reviews Materials volume 9, pages 159–172 (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Microscale robots have been the focus of extensive research efforts resulting in various innovative developments that broaden their capabilities and applications. The rational design of materials has been the cornerstone for developing and innovating microscale robots, and breakthroughs in materials science are expected to further push the boundaries of this field. This Review provides an overview of the design principles and material selection for the propulsion and operation of microrobots. The fundamental mechanisms governing the motion of microrobots are first introduced, followed by the material design strategies enabling efficient and controllable propulsion. We highlight the use of diverse reactive and responsive materials in realizing the advanced functionalities and capabilities of microrobots, cover representative biomedical and environmental applications and discuss how future material innovations will impact the development of next-generation microscale robots.

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Fig. 1: Schematics showing the basic design principles of microrobots/nanorobots.
Fig. 2: Motion-control strategies for microrobots/nanorobots.
Fig. 3: Other materials considerations.
Fig. 4: The typical fabrication process of microrobots/nanorobots.
Fig. 5: Representative applications of microscale robots.

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Acknowledgements

Support from the UCSD Contextual Robotics Institute is gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. These authors contributed equally: Chuanrui Chen, Shichao Ding.

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  1. Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Chuanrui Chen, Shichao Ding & Joseph Wang

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Glossary

Bubble propulsion

Movement generated by the recoil force from bubbles released from the surface of micromotors.

Janus structure

An asymmetric structure with two distinct domains with different chemical or physical properties.

Micromotor

A microscale device capable of converting energy into movement and forces.

Microrobots

A microscale device that performs a task. It consists of a micromotor and additional functions, according to the task performed.

Microrockets

Self-propelled microscale open tubular micromotors.

Motion control

Control of the speed and directionality of the microrobot.

Phoretic self-propulsion

Movement of microrobots in response to self-built gradients, including diffusiophoresis and self-electrophoresis.

Propulsion force

A force causing movement.

Reynolds number

The ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces.

Taxis

Movement towards or away from the source of a stimulus.

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Chen, C., Ding, S. & Wang, J. Materials consideration for the design, fabrication and operation of microscale robots. Nat Rev Mater 9, 159–172 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-023-00641-2

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