Researchers Create Hair-Thin Battery to Power Tiny Robots

Researchers have developed an ultra-thin battery designed to power miniature robots, paving the way for advancements in robotics and medical devices

Naturally, the scale of miniature robots is their most significant constraint. The complexity of component development increases as the size of the automaton decreases. One of the primary obstacles is the identification of a power source.

Some systems employ ingenious workarounds, such as these cell-sized automata, which rely on a photodiode to access the minute amount of electricity required to perform their tasks.

Nevertheless, more sophisticated systems will necessitate a dedicated power source.

This week, MIT demonstrated miniature batteries that were specifically engineered to operate these systems, capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including detecting gas leaks in pipelines and targeting medication delivery within the human body.

The power source is approximately the same thickness as a strand of hair, with a length of 0.1 millimeters and a thickness of 0.002 millimeters.

According to the researchers, the batteries can produce up to 1 volt, powering a sensor, circuit, or even a moving actuator despite their barely discernible size.

The principal author of the paper, Professor Michael Strano, stated, “We believe that this will be extremely beneficial for robotics.” “We are integrating robotic functions into the battery and assembling these components into devices.”

Although the researchers are confident they can design a power source entirely enclosed by the small robot, the systems are still connected to an external device.

Additionally, the team is striving to enhance the voltage the system can produce.

Strano stated, “This will be the fobe for numerous robotic endeavors.” “A robot can be constructed around an energy source, much like an electric car can be constructed around the battery.”