Release date: 2008-07-15
Microcomputers are opening up new possibilities in the medical field. Recently, scientists at Duke University have developed a tiny robot, just a few micrometers in size, that can "dance" to music on a stage smaller than a pinhead. This breakthrough showcases the growing potential of micro-robotics and their ability to perform complex tasks at an incredibly small scale.
After years of research, these micro-robots no longer require traditional control systems. Instead, they exhibit self-directed behavior, moving and acting independently. Bruce Donald, a professor at Duke University, described the achievement as remarkable. Each robot is shaped like a tongue depressor but is only a fraction of the size of earlier models—nearly 100 times smaller and lighter. These robots, once called micro-electrical system robots, were previously limited to basic movements in laboratory settings.
In a video released by the research team, two of these micro-robots were seen dancing to a waltz by Strauss, performing on a stage just 1 millimeter in size. In another demonstration, the robots used their broom-like arms to sweep across surfaces, mimicking the movement of a vacuum cleaner. The technology behind this innovation allows for coordinated group actions under a single control system, marking a major advancement in micro-robotics.
The latest study from Donald’s team highlights how five micro-robots can work together using a shared control signal. This approach, similar to how proteins in cells respond to chemical signals, enables precise and dynamic movement. By adjusting voltages at different parts of the robot, they react differently to the same command, allowing them to move, turn, and even surround objects according to pre-programmed instructions.
Donald has been researching micro-robots since 1992, starting at Cornell University before moving to Stanford and Dartmouth. His early work involved creating micro-robots modeled after microbial cilia, which could move across microchips. He once placed 15,000 silicon cilia on a one-square-inch area, demonstrating the potential of these tiny machines.
Ray Kuzwell, an American scientist, believes that micro-robots will first be used in medicine, potentially revolutionizing artificial intelligence. He predicts that soon, micro-robots will be used to treat vascular conditions, with some capable of traveling through capillaries. Such robots could one day enter the brain, influencing human cognitive functions and redefining what we understand as "artificial intelligence."
Previously, the challenge was balancing computing power with miniaturization. However, recent advancements in chip technology have allowed micro-robots to operate efficiently. When combined with the human brain, these robots could merge biological and artificial intelligence, leading to smarter, more integrated systems.
Scientists have already begun mapping the brain's thought processes using advanced scanning techniques. By analyzing this data, they are building mathematical models to integrate robotic intelligence with human cognition. As supercomputers grow faster, they may soon surpass human brain capabilities, leading to smart terminals that outperform humans in many ways.
While some worry about the implications of machine intelligence, it’s important to remember that these robots are created by humans. Researchers are already testing micro-robots in blood vessels, where nano-robots could act like white blood cells, targeting pathogens quickly and efficiently. In the future, such technology may enhance human cognitive abilities, extending our mental capacities in ways never before imagined.
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