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These Microscopic Robots Could Lead To More Precise Medicine

The tiny bots change shape based on the magnetic fields in their environment.
Posted at 1:53 PM, Aug 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-09 13:53:13-04

These tiny, folding cubes are actually microscopic robots that can assemble themselves into any pattern or shape.

Engineers designed the bots to mimic natural particle behaviors; they change configuration based on the magnetic fields in their environment.

The researchers said the cubes could be used for biomedical applications, like microsurgery and transporting drugs around the body.

They hope their technology can be applied in future devices that could take on more complex shapes for other applications in robotics and micromanipulation.