Tiny programmable robots can sense and respond to their environment

Researchers have created the world's smallest programmable robots, microscopic swimmers that can sense, respond, and operate for months at a cost of one cent each. These light-powered robots, measuring less than a millimeter, can be programmed for complex movements and temperature sensing. They move by manipulating surrounding water molecules, a breakthrough for microscale robotics. Developed with National Science Foundation support, these robots could revolutionize medicine and manufacturing by enabling tasks at the cellular level.