破壁微米！首个细胞级尺寸、会思考的机器人诞生| Science Robotics

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking development in micro-robotics, where researchers have created a micro-robot comparable in size to a paramecium, measuring approximately 340 micrometers by 210 micrometers and only 50 micrometers thick, which is about the size of a period [1] - This micro-robot is equipped with an onboard computer that allows it to think autonomously, utilizing onboard computation, perception, memory, movement, and communication systems to operate without human intervention [1] Group 1: Technological Breakthroughs - The research team has developed a new design philosophy that constructs a complete robotic system on a microchip, rather than simply miniaturizing existing components [5] - The micro-robot integrates a photovoltaic cell that converts light into approximately 100 nanowatts of power, which is about one ten-thousandth of the power consumption of a typical calculator [8] - The micro-robot features a custom 11-bit processor capable of running specialized algorithms at ultra-low power, processing data from sensors, and making decisions [9] Group 2: Autonomous Functionality - The micro-robot is designed to autonomously respond to environmental changes, showcasing a significant advancement in robotics by integrating a high-precision temperature sensor with a resolution of 0.3 °C [10] - In experiments, the robot demonstrated the ability to autonomously seek warmer areas by initiating specific movements based on sensor feedback, marking a shift from passive execution to active adaptation [11][14] Group 3: Potential Applications - The micro-robot's low manufacturing cost, potentially as low as $0.01 per unit, opens up vast possibilities for widespread deployment, particularly in the medical field for targeted drug delivery and micro-surgery [15] - In precision manufacturing, these robots could perform high-resolution inspections in areas inaccessible to traditional tools, detecting micro-cracks or blockages [15] - The technology lays the groundwork for collaborative behavior among micro-robots, allowing them to be assigned different tasks based on simple "codes" [16] Group 4: Future Developments - Despite the advancements, challenges remain, including improving movement speed and energy efficiency, as well as expanding interaction methods with the external environment [19] - The research team plans to enhance memory capacity by a hundredfold, develop new actuators, integrate more sensors, and explore novel communication methods suitable for micro-environments [20]