Powering tiny robots has always been a challenge due to their small size. However, MIT has recently made significant progress in this area by developing tiny batteries specifically designed to power these systems. These batteries, measuring only 0.1 millimeter long and 0.002 millimeter thick, are about as thin as a strand of hair. Despite their minuscule size, they are capable of generating up to 1 volt of electricity, which can be used to power various components such as sensors, circuits, and actuators.
According to Professor Michael Strano, the senior author of the research paper, these tiny batteries have the potential to revolutionize robotics. The team at MIT is not only integrating robotic functions onto the battery but also combining these components to create fully functional devices. Although the current version of the power source still requires tethering to an external device, the researchers are optimistic about developing a self-contained version that can be enclosed within the robot itself.
The implications of this breakthrough are significant. These tiny batteries could enable a wide range of applications in robotics, from targeted drug delivery inside the human body to inspecting pipelines for gas leaks. With a reliable power source, these robots can perform complex tasks that were previously impossible due to limitations in power supply.
Professor Strano compares the importance of an energy source to robotics with that of a battery to an electric car. Just as an electric car relies on a battery to function, a robot can be built around an energy source. This means that the development of these tiny batteries has the potential to act as a catalyst for advancements in robotics, opening up new possibilities for the industry.
While the current focus is on increasing the voltage that the system can generate, this breakthrough in battery technology is a significant step forward. As the researchers continue to refine and improve these tiny batteries, the future of robotics looks brighter than ever. With a reliable and efficient power source, tiny robots can become more autonomous, versatile, and capable of performing tasks that were once only seen in science fiction.
