Si chiplet-controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments

Area of Science:

• Microrobotics
• Self-assembly
• Biomimetic systems

Background:

• Surface area limitations hinder modular microrobotic development at small scales.
• Existing microrobots face challenges in powering, communication, and functional integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate programmable, self-assembling, and self-locomoting micromodules (smartlets).
• To overcome surface area limitations in mass-fabricated modular robotic devices.

Main Methods:

• Integrated self-folding and self-rolling of functionalized membrane surfaces.
• Utilized 2D-automated lithography and microchiplet bump-bonding for heterogeneous integration.
• Incorporated onboard buoyancy control, 360° solar harvesting, and electrolysis-powered locomotion.

Main Results:

• Created smartlets (≤ 1 cubic millimeter) capable of intercommunication and self-locomotion.
• Demonstrated onboard microcomponents (Si chiplets, LEDs) for processing and optical communication.
• Achieved patterned docking interactions and selective, frequency-specific optical communication between smartlets.
• Functionality confirmed in natural aqueous environments with scalability to microscopic dimensions.

Conclusions:

• The developed technology offers an economical platform for microscopic applications.
• This work advances modular microrobotics towards the autonomy of biological cells.
• Programmable smartlets provide a new paradigm for information-intensive microtasks.