Microrobots and nanorobots: a review of recent developments
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide a technical review of recent developments in microrobots, together with a less detailed consideration of nanorobotics.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a brief introduction, this paper describes a number of recently reported microrobot development activities. It then briefly considers the emerging field of nanorobotics.
Findings
Microrobots are the topic of a major research effort and many different technological approaches are under study. Critical issues are power and locomotion and magnetic methods are attracting much attention. Nanorobots are at a far earlier stage of development and most are based on DNA‐based molecular technology. Key applications for both classes of device are anticipated in microassembly, healthcare and nanotechnology.
Originality/value
This paper provides a timely review of recent microrobot and nanorobot development activities.
Keywords
Citation
Bogue, R. (2010), "Microrobots and nanorobots: a review of recent developments", Industrial Robot, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 341-346. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439911011044796
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited