🤖Microrobots Get Power From the Ground Up

Microrobots now run on the ground they walk on

Researchers have created a paper-thin membrane that allows microrobots to generate electricity directly from the ground they walk on, enabling continuous operation for up to 150 days. This breakthrough solves the problem of bulky batteries that limit the mobility and lifespan of microrobots. The membrane, just 135 µm thick, acts like an open-air battery when it contacts active surfaces like aluminum, zinc, or silicon, generating power instantly and cutting out when the limb lifts. A 3D-printed crawler measuring 6.7 × 5.7 cm trotted for 150 days, clocking over 10,000 steps without voltage dips, and crossed the one-million-step mark while consuming only about 2 g of aluminum. This technology could enable microrobots to operate in harsh environments, from -20 to 80 °C, and power onboard devices like LEDs and Bluetooth transmitters.