In the future, we will use micro robots to treat major health issues in our body. EPFL scientists have developed microscopic hydrogel-based muscles that can manipulate and stimulate biological tissue. These robots can perform manipulation tasks under physiological conditions.
These microactuators and soft robotic devices are wirelessly activated by laser beams. As Berna Ozkale, the study’s lead author, explains:
Our soft actuators contract rapidly and efficiently when activated by near-infrared light. When the entire nanoscale actuator network contracts, it tugs on the surrounding device components and powers the machinery
[HT]