Overview

• The microrobot’s polymer matrix integrates neodymium magnetic particles within a porous structure that attracts liquids and resists chemical degradation.
• External magnetic fields drive movement speeds up to 20 times those of previous designs, enabling transport of droplets nearly a milliliter in volume.
• The device merges droplets at low speeds to initiate reactions and splits them at high speeds to produce precise droplet fragments.
• Tests demonstrate reliable operation in harsh chemical conditions, including highly corrosive acids, without loss of function or contamination.
• Researchers plan to shrink the robot for nanoliter-scale droplet handling and incorporate sensors for applications such as targeted drug delivery and pollution cleanup.