Microrobots are typical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Significant progress has been made in microrobot research worldwide. The development of microrobots relies on four key areas: microfabrication processes, microsensors, microactuators, and microstructures. Fundamental research in these four areas progresses through three stages: device development, component development, and device and system development.
I. The walking mechanism of a micro robot
For a microrobot to have the ability to walk (or crawl), it must have a locomotion mechanism. The main locomotion mechanisms of microrobots include:
1. Wheeled walking mechanism, only suitable for traveling on relatively flat ground.
2. The tracked walking mechanism allows it to travel on uneven ground.
3. Walking on feet, the most commonly used walking mechanisms are four-legged and six-legged. If walking on uneven ground is required, the mechanism becomes more complex.
4. A stepping, creeping walking mechanism that relies on inertia or automatic extension and retraction.
5. A drive mechanism that propels forward in a liquid by means of a propeller or other means.
II. Classification of Micro-robots
Currently, the developed micro-robots fall into three main categories:
1. Fixed micro-robots: They resemble stones, trees, and flowers in appearance and are equipped with various micro-sensors that can detect infrared radiation from the human body, ground vibrations when walking, and magnetic field changes caused by the movement of metal objects. They then transmit the signals to the central command, which can control the weapons in the defense zone to automatically launch attacks.
2. Mobile micro-robots: Equipped with solar panels and computers, they can maneuver into enemy positions according to a pre-programmed sequence and perish together with the enemy.
3. Biological microrobots: Research on installing micro-sensors on animals or insects to create micro-biological robots that can enter places inaccessible to humans to perform combat or reconnaissance missions.
Given the enormous technological potential and application prospects of microrobots, NASA, NASA/JPL, and DARPA collaborated to develop a series of programs starting in 1996 to research and develop microrobots for space and military applications. For example, the Mars rover Sojourner landed on Mars in July 1997. It was 60 cm long, 30 cm high and wide, and weighed approximately 11 kg. It was equipped with cameras and various sensors.
