Acoustic resonators as wireless actuators in air for small-scale robots

Area of Science:

• Acoustic robotics
• Micro-robotics
• Aerodynamics

Background:

• Acoustic resonators are well-studied in liquids for microrobot actuation.
• Implementation of acoustic resonators in air for microrobots is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Helmholtz resonance for acoustic actuation of microrobots in air.
• To develop a design framework for harnessing acoustic and aerodynamic forces.
• To demonstrate robotic navigation and flight using sound-actuated devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printed Helmholtz resonators of varying sizes (centimeter to micrometer).
• Applied resonance excitation to generate controlled thrust.
• Validated designs through analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and experiments.
• Demonstrated robotic navigation of boats and flight of microfliers.

Main Results:

• Generated spatiotemporally controlled thrust from millinewton to micronewton.
• Achieved robotic navigation of small-scale boats using air-borne and structure-borne sound.
• Developed microfliers with low weight (150-184 micrograms) and high thrust-to-weight ratio (4.9).
• Demonstrated microflier rotation up to 13,000 RPM.

Conclusions:

• Helmholtz resonance provides a versatile actuation scheme for microrobots in air.
• The technology is scalable and compatible with further miniaturization.
• This work advances the fields of robotics and aeronautics through novel acoustic actuation.