Microscopic 'hands' for building tomorrow's machines

Chemical and biomolecular engineers in Maryland have developed microscopic, chemically triggered robotic "hands" ("micro-grippers") that can pick up and move small objects, powered only by certain chemicals that trigger the hands to open or close. (American Chemical Society)They could be used in laboratory-on-a-chip applications, reconfigurable microfluidic systems, and micromanufacturing. The grippers are about 0.03 inches wide when open, made from a gold-coated nickel "palm" joined by six pointy metallic "fingers." (Source: http://www.physorg.com/news151582443.html)



Microbot motors fit to swim human arteries

Monash University researchers have designed .25-millimeter-wide microbots small enough to be injected into portions of the human bloodstream, allowing for complex surgical operations to treat stroke victims, hardened arteries, and bloodstream blockages. The micro-motors are powered by piezoelectric energy generated from ultrasonic signals. Popout (Source: http://www.physorg.com/news151649983.html)