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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 7 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

TU Delft algae-powered soft robot development

Overview

Researchers at TU Delft have developed a soft, flexible robotic arm that utilizes the natural metabolism of microalgae as a power source. The device consists of a small hydrogel strip, roughly two centimeters long and one millimeter thick, containing two different hydrogel layers.

The mechanism relies on photosynthesis: when exposed to light, the algae convert CO2 into sugars and absorb nitrogen, which alters the pH level of the hydrogel. Because the two layers react differently to these pH changes, they swell at different rates, causing the strip to bend. When light is removed, the algae consume stored sugars and release CO2, lowering the pH and causing the actuator to bend in the opposite direction within ten seconds.

In demonstrations, the team used the actuator to hook a rubber ring and grasp a small metal ball. The technology is noted for its potential in underwater environments for delicate tasks, as well as possible applications in agricultural devices or light-responsive blinds.

Entities

Fan Jiang · Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam · Delft University of Technology · Chlamydomonas reinhardtii · TU Delft

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Delft University researchers develop algae-powered soft robotic arm

    Scientists at Delft University of Technology have created a soft, 2 cm robotic arm powered by the photosynthesis of microalgae, allowing it to bend and grasp objects in response to light.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    TU Delft researchers develop algae-powered soft robot arm

    TU Delft researchers have created a soft robot arm powered by microalgae that uses light-driven photosynthesis to bend and manipulate small objects without mechanical motors.

Sources

ado.hu · biotechniques.com · engineeringnet.nl · finanznachrichten.de · knowridge.com · nazology.net · technologyreview.de