Canadian researchers have developed the world's first flying micro-robot for micro-scale applications. The micro-robot can manipulate objects, particularly during surgeries. The micro-robot has been developed by an engineering research team in Waterloo University. In a statement on Wednesday (8th April) the university said that, the invention provides researchers with more control over micro-scale manipulation, allowing them to move and place tiny objects with far greater precision.

 

The new device is called as the flying MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) robot. Powered by a magnetic field, the MEMS can defy the force of gravity by flying or levitating. The university statement also said that, it moves around and manipulates objects with magnets attached to micro-grippers, remotely controlled by a laser-focusing beam. The device will be useful in micro-assembly of mechanical components, handling of biological samples and even micro-surgery, it added.

 

Behrad Khamesee, research leader and professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, who is skilled in developing micro-scale devices using magnetic levitation, said that, they are the first in the world to make such a floating robot equipped with micro-gripper. It can enter virtually any space and can be operated in a sealed enclosure by a person outside, which makes it useful for handling bio-hazardous materials or working in vacuum chambers.