Naturally, the biggest limitation of small robots is their size. The smaller the robot, the more difficult it is to develop its components. One of the main challenges is finding a power source. Some systems use clever solutions, such as this Cell-sized robotsThese systems use a photodiode to achieve the precise level of electricity needed to perform their functions. However, more advanced systems require a dedicated power source.
MIT this week Small batteries offered This device is specifically designed to power these systems for a variety of tasks, from targeting drug delivery inside the human body to checking pipes for gas leaks. The power supply is 0.1 millimeters long and 0.002 millimeters thick—roughly the thickness of a strand of hair.
Despite their tiny, barely visible size, the researchers say the batteries are capable of generating up to one volt, which could be used to power a sensor, circuit or even a moving motor.
“We think this will be very useful for robotics,” explained Professor Michael Strano, who served as lead author of the paper. “We’re building robotic functions on the battery and starting to put these components together into devices.”
The systems are still tethered to an external device, although the researchers are confident they will be able to design a version of the power source that is completely enclosed within the tiny robot. The team is also working on increasing the level of voltage the system can generate.
“This will be the core of a lot of our robotics efforts,” Strano added. “You can build a robot around a power source, you can build an electric car around a battery.”