Flying microbots from Canada

Jake Widman
Saturday, 11 April 2009 00:12

Business IT - Technology

Engineering researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, have come up with a tiny flying robot capable of manipulating tiny objects.

The team is working under the direction of Behrad Khamesee, director of the university's Magleve Microrobotics Laboratory.

The prototype robot "flies" by being levitated by a magnetic field.

Since the power comes from outside the robot, it doesn't need to carry a power source or a controller, so it's very maneuverable.

Not only that, but it can manipulate microscale objects through the use of magnets attached to its tiny pincers.

"We have developed a magnetically levitated microrobot, which is a new technology for manipulation using flying microrobots," said Khamesee.

"We are the first in the world to make such a floating robot equipped with microgrippers. It can enter virtually any space and can be operated in a sealed enclosure by a person outside."

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