Reducing the environmental impact of small-scale robotics

With examples such as nanorobots that facilitate the administration of drugs against tumours, help produce sustainable energy or fight against environmental pollution, micro- and nanoscale robotic platforms have revolutionized the world of biomedicine, materials science, ecology and technology with their ability to perform tasks in a precise and minimally invasive way. These small-scale operational devices, capable of using external energy sources — magnetic fields, ultrasound, light, chemical fuels, etc. — have also opened up new possibilities to perform precise tasks collectively and behave like a swarm of miniaturized robots.

In this scenario of technological change — previously considered science fiction — there is a need to explore cost-effective and mass-production manufacturing techniques to ensure that micro- and nanorobots can be deployed at scale. However, one aspect that has not received enough attention is the waste management cycle associated with the fabrication and use of these miniaturized robots. Connecting the world of small-scale robotics with fields such as green chemistry, sustainability and the circular economy throughout the life cycle of these devices is, for now, a challenge for the entire scientific community.

The main aim of the GREENS project is to respond to the new environmental challenge. This is a pioneering initiative which will implement for the first time the 5R’s principle (Reduse, Recycle, Rethink, Repair and Reuse), from manufacturing to implementing and removing nano- and micro robotic platforms. It is led by Maria Guix, researcher at the ChemInFlow research group (Chemistry in Flow and Nanomaterials Synthesis Group), which is led by Professor Josep Puigmartí, from the Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry at the UB’s Faculty of Chemistry and the Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB).

Reducing the environmental impact of small-scale robotics

GREENS (A Training Programme on 5R’s implementation in the design, manufacturing and application of micro and nanorobotic platforms) is the only project that has been selected in the framework of the latest call for the Doctoral Networks Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA Doctoral Networks). This action is highly competitive and demanding in the European framework and is promoted by the Horizon Europe programme.

Among the collaborators are the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, the University of Zaragoza, the University of Alcalá, the company Movic Weare SL, the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), the Wigner Centre for Physics Research (Hungary); the Medical University of Graz (Austria), the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg (Germany), the Federal Institute of Technology of Zurich (Switzerland), and the University of Gothenburg and the Swedish Algae Factory (Sweden), among other participating institutions and entities.

For a greener and more sustainable circular economy

GREENS responds to the concern to prevent small-scale robotic technologies from generating new forms of pollution or causing ecological impacts on the environment. From February 2025 to January 2029, GREENS will integrate the sustainability dimension into the design, manufacturing and application processes in the field of small-scale robotics to minimize their impact on the environment. This initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the European Commission, being of great importance for the European Commission’s Environmental Action Programme.

Therefore, GREENS contributes to Europe’s goal of becoming the first circular, sustainable and climate-neutral economy. The project addresses key societal challenges in healthcare and environmental fields, and it will accelerate the digital and green transitions while it contributes to enhance industrial leadership and autonomy. GREENS advocates for the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials sourced from EU or recycled from waste, and it will facilitate the design of versatile and reprogrammable robots. This practice reduces transportation-related emissions, and will support local economies, contributing to a more sustainable economy for society.