Flying microbots from Canada

Jake Widman
Saturday, 11 April 2009 01:12

Business IT - Technology

Uses envisioned for such microrobots include assembly of microscopic mechanical components, handling of possibly hazardous biological materials, and microsurgery.

Since the robots can work in a sealed space while being controlled by a person outside, they would also be suitable for tasks in clean rooms or isolation chambers.

The team also points out that "flying microrobots have many advantages over crawling, swimming, or walking robots," since they can land in places that surface-bound robots would have trouble reaching.

The microrobot is just one of the project's Khamesee's team is working on.

Others include an electromagnetic damper for automobile suspensions, and a more cost-effective prosthetic leg.

A Flash animation of the flying robot in action can be seen on the team's Projects page .