Discussion by David FOLIO about history of microrobotics
The history of microrobotics is a relatively recent field of research and development, and it has seen significant progress only over the past few decades.
Origin (probable)
In 1959, the renowned physicist Richard P. Feynman [13] delivered a lecture titled “There is Plenty of Room at the Bottom” at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society at Caltech, Pasadena [13]. This lecture has since become the birth of microsystem technology and is often considered the starting point of nanotechnology and bio-nanotechnology. From there, the rapid development of microfabrication and then nanofabrication technologies made it possible to provide components for microsystems at a reasonable cost. On the other hand, very quickly, it became clear that the development of micro/nanotechnologies is hardly possible without high precision (micro)robots allowing manipulation at such scales.
Meanwhile, the need for targeted medicine was another favorable factor for microrobotics. The idea of microrobots operating autonomously inside the human body first appeared in science fiction films like “Fantastic Voyage”” (1966) [12].
From early exploration (1980s) to advancements in manufacturing (1990s)
The field of microrobotics began effectively to emerge in the 1980’s, with scientists and researchers exploring the possibilities of creating robots at the microscale. Initial efforts focused on fundamental research and experimental studies to understand the properties of materials at the micro level and investigate methods of fabricating miniature structures. Additionally, advancements in microscopy devices, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM), have also had an impacting effect on the development of microrobotics.
In the 1990s, significant advancements were made in microrobotic manufacturing techniques. Researchers developed sophisticated methods such as lithography and electron beam fabrication, enabling the creation of complex microrobots with high precision. This era marked the transition from theoretical concepts to practical implementations.
Since 2000s the applications
The early 2000’s witnessed the application of microrobotics first mainly in the biomedical field. Microrobots were used for minimally invasive surgery, targeted drug delivery, and diagnostics. These tiny robots offered improved precision and reduced invasiveness compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Microrobotic technology also found applications in industrial settings for tasks such as micro-assembly and manipulation. Tiny robotic system could handle delicate and precise operations that were challenging for humans or larger robots. They were employed in various industries, including electronics, optics, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
In the 2010’s, some researchers focused on developing biomimetic microrobots inspired by natural systems [6]. Drawing inspiration from insects, birds, and other organisms, these robots mimicked the locomotion and behaviors of their biological counterparts. Bio-inspired microrobots showed promise in areas such as environmental monitoring, surveillance, and exploration.
Recent years have seen advancements in nanotechnology and soft robotics, which have further expanded the possibilities of microrobotics. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of nanoscale robots with unique capabilities, while soft robotics has allowed for more flexible and compliant microrobot designs [2], [3].
Microrobotics is currently being explored for various emerging applications. These include nanomedicine, where microrobots could be used for targeted drug delivery and precise medical interventions at the cellular level [4], [5]. Tiny robots are envisionned for space exploration missions, where their small size and maneuverability can be advantageous [10]. Microrobots have also shown their usefulness in remediation applications [1], [2].
Microrobotics, as an independent subject of scientific researches, has been around for 25-30 years now and has gradually matured. It has already demonstrated significant progress, increasing attention, and high promise [4], [5], [7]–[9], [11]. So far, the microrobot generally performs relatively basic functions. Some of these tasks should be realized in autonomous way to allow robustness, adaptability and precision. In more advanced procedures, supervision and tele-operation directed by a practitioner allow offering more reliability and safety. It is foreseeable that as technology advances, the microrobotic system will be able to make more and more complex tasks.