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Flying Micro-Robot Takes Off
AndreV writes "A University of Waterloo in Ontario engineering research team has developed the world's first flying micro-robot capable of manipulating objects for micro-scale applications, which include micro-assembly of mechanical components, handling of biological samples and even microsurgery. It moves around and manipulates objects with micro-grippers, remotely controlled by a laser-focusing beam (heating the pincers with a laser opens them; when the laser is turned off, they cool and close). Its magnetic drive mechanism controls the field using continuous feedback from positioning sensors in order to position the 'bot. 'It can enter virtually any space and can be operated in a sealed enclosure by a person outside,' the project leaders says, 'which makes it useful for handling bio-hazardous materials or working in vacuum chambers and clean rooms.' The video of the contraption shows it floating in mid-air."
Should change the text to:
"It moves around and manipulates objects with laser-powered micro-grippers, which includes (when millions work in unison) HUMAN HEADS!!"
Well, I bet they'd get more funding if they worded it that way, anyway.
You missed the force field below the "robot" - look carefully, it's eerily similar to the field under Luke's speeder.
Then have another cup of coffee and realize it's just video compression artifacts.
Sigh. I hate mornings.
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
So you're saying it won't work in my iron filing factory?
The world is made by those who show up for the job.
I have posted the first micro-comment capable of delivering micro-information over the micro-Internet at micro-speeds.
Dislike the Electoral College? Lobby your state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
i was reading the summary and couldnt help but think that it needed more micro so in a pro micro display i have used the word micro a lot here and have forsaken punctuation and capitalization in an effort to make things look more micro because i really felt the summary didnt use the word micro enough to describe this micro robot
No problem, as long as they have web access at the site, they can visit 4chan.
/rimshot
"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
don't think that we need to worry about welcoming any Micro-robotic overlords or undelords any time soon.
the world's first flying micro-robot capable of manipulating objects for micro-scale applications, which include ... microsurgery.
Congratulations University of Waterloo, you get the award for the most sensationalist spin ever given to a magnetically levitated piece of metal. In other news, following this success, all makers of levitating pen novelty toys are rebranding their products as "flying pen assassin robots" (ninja not included).
Negative moral value of force outweighs the positive value of good intentions.