Although very tiny, when ants work together they are able to move objects much heavier than themselves. Scientists at the Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Laboratory at Stanford University have used that model to develop tiny robots that, when working in teams, are super strong, even having the ability to move a 3,900 pound car.
The microrobots are about the size of a cockroach, each weighing 3.5 ounces. Despite their tiny size it took only six of them to move the car.
The researchers’ approach is different than what might be expected. Instead of powerful blows to move an object, the tiny machines work smoothly in synchronization, similar to the way ants get their great strength by moving cooperatively, with legs moving simultaneously.
One of the authors of the research paper describing the development, David Christensen, says “by considering the dynamics of the team, not just the individual, we are able to build a team of our ‘microTug’ robots that, like ants, are superstrong individually, but then also work together as a team.” The paper will be presented at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Stockholm this May.
Part of what makes the robots so efficient is another idea taken from nature – adhesive on the feet that was inspired by geckos, which are able to climb walls. The stickier feet give the robots extra traction that gives their super strength even more of an edge.
Christensen says the demonstration where the tiny robots move the car is the equivalent to having a team of six humans move a weight that is equivalent to three Statues of Liberty plus the Eiffel Tower.