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GeiwBot - A tiny robot that opens the door for potential medical applications

(Image Credit Google)
According to IET, engineers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have created a tiny robot, GeiwBot, that resembles inchworms and geckos and could one day aid surgeons in their procedures. Additionally, the tiny, soft robot climbs walls and moves over ceilings by using magnetic force and UV light to move on any surface. Furthermore, the tiny robot is unique in its class in that it can operate remotely without a connection to an external power source. Hence, it might provide versatility for future healthcare applications.

Details about the tiny robot

GeiwBot, a tiny robot inspired by inchworms and geckos, is composed of a smart polymer. It measures about 4 centimeters in length, 3 millimeters in width, and 1 millimeter in thickness. Liquid-crystal elastomers and synthetic adhesive pads were used in its construction. The magnet pads replicate a gecko's grip, while the light-response polymer strip mimics the aching and stretching motion of an inchworm. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="759"]GeiwBot has the ability to operate remotely inside the human body Image credit: ScienceDirect.com[/caption] In addition, due to the ability of GeiwBot to operate remotely inside the human body, the soft robot opens the door for potential medical applications. During rescue efforts, it can also be utilized to look for or detect risky or difficult-to-reach areas. Moreover, the scientists and engineers are currently making their way to the next stage, where they will create a climbing soft robot that is light-driven and does not require a magnetic field. In addition, it will substitute near-infrared light for UV light to ensure biocompatibility.

Additional details

Soft robotics has a very bright future. The principles of soft robotics can be combined with other cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, to build robots that can carry out complicated tasks that are impossible for conventional rigid robots to do. Soft robots can also be used in medical applications, such as surgical robots and prostheses. Also, there is a chance that they will be used in risky situations like deep-sea and space research. In addition, future uses of soft robots could include everything from manufacturing to healthcare. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Soft robots like GeiwBot can carry out complicated tasks that are impossible for conventional rigid robots to do Image credit: Tech Times[/caption] On another note, automation of manufacturing procedures like assembly lines or 3D printing jobs that call for precise motions without endangering delicate components during operation is another potential use for soft robotics. They can also be used for minimally invasive precision surgery on small parts of the human body to achieve the highest levels of accuracy and control without endangering the nearby tissue structures. Additionally, some researchers have started investigating how soft robotic systems might interact securely with people, from assisting the elderly in their daily activities at home or when they go outside to using touch sensors built into the material of the device. It would be a great tool for use cases requiring physical contact between machines and people because it would give useful input about contact forces between itself and its surroundings, including people!

By Raulf Hernes

If you ask me raulf means ALL ABOUT TECH!!

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