Recent advances in bioinspired walking microbots: Design, manufacturing, and challenges

Microbots can revolutionize various fields of science and technology with applications that require access to confined environments. These microbots could allow engine inspections without disassembly, repair satellite computer boards, assess pollution in confined spaces, and perform surgical procedu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. 2024-07, Vol.372, p.115321, Article 115321
Main Authors: Mora-Aquino, Gerardo, Rodríguez-Morales, Ángel L., López-Huerta, Francisco, Delgado-Alvarado, Enrique, Elvira-Hernández, Ernesto A., Herrera-May, Agustín L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomous robots
Bioinspired walking microbot
Confined environment
Inspection
Manipulator
Microbot
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Summary:Microbots can revolutionize various fields of science and technology with applications that require access to confined environments. These microbots could allow engine inspections without disassembly, repair satellite computer boards, assess pollution in confined spaces, and perform surgical procedures in hard-to-reach areas in the human body. However, manufacturing, power supplies, and control of microbots for real-world applications are still significant challenges. More investigations are necessary to develop functional microbots that collect essential information from uncertain environments or disaster areas, in which microbots can manipulate objects and modify the environment. Herein, we present the recent advances in bioinspired walking microrobots, including their design, manufacturing process, and control. In addition, comparisons of the main parameters of various microbots and their potential applications are incorporated. Also, we report the potential challenges of the bioinspired walking microrobots regarding their autonomy systems, manipulation capabilities, reconfigurable systems, and collaborative work. This review can help understand the performance and manufacturing processes of future bioinspired microbots that may access complex terrains or hazardous environments. [Display omitted] •Recent advances in manufacturing processes of bioinspired walking microbots are reported.•Potential applications of bioinspired walking microrobots are presented.•Control and challenges of bioinspired walking microrobots are discussed.
ISSN:0924-4247
1873-3069
DOI:10.1016/j.sna.2024.115321