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Bioinspired Soft Robot with Incorporated Microelectrodes
Published on: February 28, 2020
Fish-diversity-inspired multiple soft millirobot system with morphology-encoded selective control
Zhengyuan Xin1, Zhiqiang Zheng2,3, Yaozhen Hou4
1Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robots and Systems, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
Science Advances
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Inspired by fish, scientists created magnetic millirobots with varied shapes. Different morphologies enable unique swimming patterns and precise control for targeted delivery, advancing flexible robot design.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Robotics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Fish morphology influences locomotion and hydrodynamic efficiency in marine ecosystems.
- Evolutionary adaptations in fish provide biomechanical principles for robotic design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop morphology-encoded patterned magnetic millirobots (MPMRs) mimicking fish locomotion.
- To investigate how MPMR morphology affects hydrodynamic response and propulsion efficiency.
- To demonstrate selective control and multitarget delivery of MPMRs using morphology-encoded variations.
Main Methods:
- Fabricated MPMRs with predefined anterior-to-posterior length ratios and body contours.
- Actuated MPMRs using uniform magnetic fields to emulate undulatory swimming patterns.
- Analyzed frequency-dependent responses and velocity profiles of MPMRs with different morphologies.
- Validated selective control and multitarget delivery in vitro and ex vivo.
Main Results:
- MPMRs successfully emulated fish swimming patterns, with morphology directly impacting motion performance.
- An optimal AP ratio (approx. 1:1) and streamlined contour maximized propulsion.
- Distinct morphologies exhibited unique frequency-dependent responses and velocity profiles.
- Effective selective control and multitarget delivery of multiple MPMRs were achieved.
Conclusions:
- Morphological differentiation is key for controlling millirobot locomotion and performance.
- MPMRs offer a platform for advanced flexible robotic systems inspired by nature.
- This study provides a foundation for selective control strategies in uniform magnetic fields.
