Tiny robot machines to transport prototypes

Biotechnology often relies on bulky and not very convenient devices. Tiny robots based on warehouse machines can make science more practical and efficient.

Engineers from the University of California, Los Angeles, decided to optimise biotechnology. Scientists have already been able to create a small fleet of tiny disk-shaped robots that can transport various liquids.

The size of one robot is about 2 mm; it can move a minimal amount of liquid. The machines are advantageous for being able to work collectively. They move along on predetermined routes due to an electromagnetic plate built into the platform. The speed of the robot is about 10 cm per second.

As an experiment, the scientists used three robots for various manipulations of human plasma samples. Machines can divide large drops into smaller ones, combine them and move samples to specially designated locations.