Design and Control of the Magnetically Actuated Micro/Nanorobot Swarm toward Biomedical Applications
Lu Lu1, Hongqiao Zhao1, Yucong Lu1
1School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|February 27, 2024
Summary
Magnetically actuated micro/nanorobot swarms offer promising, fuel-free biomedical applications. This review details their control, design, and potential for targeted delivery and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Magnetically actuated micro/nanorobots show promise for noninvasive, fuel-free biomedical applications.
- Current research often focuses on individual robot control, limiting practical medical translation.
- Swarm control in a closed-loop manner is essential for real-world medical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in magnetic micro/nanorobot swarms.
- To cover actuating fundamentals, designs, control strategies, and biomedical applications.
- To identify challenges and future potential for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of fundamental principles and interactions in magnetic swarm formation.
- Presentation of recent designs for artificial and biohybrid micro/nanorobot swarms.
- Overview of control devices and methods for swarm manipulation.
Main Results:
- Magnetic micro/nanorobot swarms enable coordinated control for complex tasks.
- Diverse designs, including artificial and biohybrid systems, have been developed.
- Various control strategies facilitate precise manipulation of robot swarms.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic micro/nanorobot swarms are advancing towards practical biomedical applications.
- Potential applications include imaging-guided therapy, targeted delivery, embolization, and biofilm eradication.
- Addressing current challenges will pave the way for future clinical treatments.
