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Flying Micro-Robot Takes Off

Posted by samzenpus on from the fly-on-the-wall dept.

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."

6 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. Flying? by ramk13 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This thing doesn't really fly... It's a magnet that's levitating by using a complex, computer controlled magnetic field. I'm not sure how the robot can go into 'virtually any space' because you need to have a bunch of equipment to go along with it, and the equipment has to be nearby.

    1. Re:Flying? by Jaysyn · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I was wondering how the hell it "flew" in a vacuum.

      --
      There is a war going on for your mind.
    2. Re:Flying? by Gat0r30y · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Since the power is supplied externally, the robot does not carry a power source or a controller, which enhances its maneuverability.

      How can they call this thing a robot, if it has no power source or controller? It would appear to me to be a magnet, with some grippers applied.

      --
      Prediction: The real iPhone killer is going to be sex robots from Japan. Think about it.
  2. levitation by purpleque · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I guess technically it is "flying" but that just makes me think it had some sort of wings or a little bity rocket pack, etc...

    I think a better description would have been levitating.

  3. It's not a ROBOT, it's a "waldo". by dltaylor · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It is a remote extension of the operator, not running it's own program.

  4. Re:Some people! by Dachannien · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The fact that TFA misrepresents what's going on makes it prime fodder for /. Now we can all demonstrate how much smarter we are than everyone else by all separately posting about how the article sucks and how that's not really what they're doing.