Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
A fast and powerful swimming microrobot with a serrated tail enhanced propulsion interface
Dengfeng Li1, Yanting Liu, Yuanyuan Yang
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR, China. yajishen@cityu.edu.hk.
Abstract:
We demonstrate the use of a swimming microrobot with a serrated tail in the propulsion region to enhance reaction interfaces. A 3D printed tail with multiple catalytic channels and nanointerfaces could reinforce the microrobot, allowing it to reach swimming speeds of ∼1 mm s-1 and enabling it to transport objects with a weight 6500 times that of itself. This research represents a new concept in swimming microrobot design and is expected to benefit a wide range of engineering fields.
Related Concept Videos
Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - II
A rocket's acceleration depends on three major factors, consistent with the...
Protein-protein Interfaces
Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I
Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II
Nuclear Power
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuel consists of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, which must be present in sufficient quantity to provide a...
Power

