These Tiny Robots Can Build Anything, Including Their Own Tools

SRI International is developing micro-robots, each with its own tool that can work together as a swarm to construct macro-scale products. These micro-robots are basically magnets that are controlled with magnetic fields through a printed circuit board substrate. It means these tiny robots are built of simple and low-cost materials that allow for mass production. The circuit boards guide the direction and speed that the robots move in, enabling movement of up to 35 centimeters per second along even flexing surfaces. Controlling the robots is a little like moving an army of ants that run on parallel tasks.