Researchers 3D print robot the size of a single-cell organism — devices move and navigate even without a ‘brain,’ uses their shape and the environment to get going

Researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands have successfully 3D printed microscopic robots that mimic the movement of single-celled organisms, measuring between 0.5 and 5 micrometers. These tiny robots can move at speeds of 7 micrometers per second and do not require sensors, motors, or a processor to navigate; instead, they rely on their shape and interactions with the environment. The robots, inspired by biological creatures like worms and snakes, respond to changes in their surroundings, making them appear lifelike. With potential applications in medicine for targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery, further research is needed to fully understand their capabilities.