Light-Sensitive Microrobot (IMAGE)

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

Light-Sensitive Microrobot

Caption

The soft, light-sensitive microrobot is moved by a dynamic, structured light field. The swimming body consists of a mixture of liquid-crystal molecules (LC) and dye molecules that heats up when illuminated. This causes the liquid-crystal molecules to bend so that the material deforms and protrusions form on the illuminated surface. In a moving light field, the protrusions move along the swimming body via peristalsis, thereby driving the body along.

Credit

Stefano Palagi / MPI for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart

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