WSU Researchers Develop Smallest, Lightest, Fastest Micro-Robots

Insect-inspired Robots Powered by Shape Memory Alloy Actuators

Researchers at Washington State University have developed the smallest, lightest, and fastest fully functional micro-robots, modeled after insects.
The robots, a mini-bug and a water strider, weigh eight milligrams and 55 milligrams respectively, and can move at about six millimeters per second.
The robots' movement is powered by tiny actuators made from a shape memory alloy that changes shape when heated and returns to its original shape when cooled.
The actuators can move the robots' fins or feet up to 40 times per second and lift more than 150 times their own weight.
The researchers aim to make the robots fully autonomous and are exploring the use of tiny batteries or catalytic combustion for power.