The thought of robots assisting in daily life seemed like a futuristic concept for quite some time. Over the past few years, however, there have been numerous advancements in robotics that could make this concept a reality. Scientists from MIT are finding success by creating robots that can be controlled by a magnetic field. Soon, these robots may be used to transport your packages, help with medical treatments, assist in navigating small spaces, and more. 

 

New Technology, New Possibilities

MIT Professor Polina Anikeeva and her team have created robots that are primarily made of flexible magnetic spirals. Their makeup means that a limited magnetic field is necessary in order to control them. Anikeeva shared her excitement over the robots’ mobility by stating, “This is the first time this has been done, to be able to control three-dimensional locomotion of robots with a one-dimensional magnetic field.”

 

So far, researchers have been able to successfully get the robots to crawl, walk, and swim from the magnetic force. The team is eager to see all of the ways these small robots can be used. They are currently designed to be just a few millimeters long and there are talks about potentially developing even smaller robots. Currently, the team hopes their robots can be used in transportation, the medical field, and other professions, like logistics. This means there is a real possibility that you could see them in use at your place of work in the near future.

 

In the past, robots used moving magnetic fields to get them going. Due to this team’s desire to create smaller robots that could work in confined spaces, they set out to change the status quo. “You want to have a stationary instrument that just applies a magnetic field to the whole sample," Anikeeva added.

Non-uniform Magnetization

To make the proper changes, the team relied on non-uniform magnetization. This means that the robot was magnetized at special locations so it would go in the desired direction. To start making the device, the team takes two types of rubber with differing amounts of stiffness. Both are stretched into longer fibers, but one will keep its elasticity while the other will deform and look like its original shape. The second piece will pull all of the fibers into a tight coil. Meanwhile, a third material with magnetic properties is inserted into a channel with the first fiber to allow the robot to move.

Make Your Own Discoveries with Apex 

If you are interested in learning more about ways to use magnets in everyday life, be sure to read our other blogs. Additionally, if you want to conduct experiments of your own with magnets, check out some of our DIY ideas. If you need help getting started, our team would be happy to assist you. Just give us a call at 1-304-257-1193!