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3D-printed microrobots from design to translation

Author

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  • Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh

    (Koç University, Sariyer
    Koç University Arçelik Research Center for Creative Industries (KUAR), Koç University, Sariyer
    Koc University Is Bank Artificial Intelligence Lab (KUIS AILab), Koç University, Sariyer)

  • Misagh Rezapour Sarabi

    (Koç University, Sariyer)

  • Mehmet Tugrul Birtek

    (Koç University, Sariyer)

  • Siamak Seyfi

    (Koç University, Sariyer)

  • Metin Sitti

    (Koç University, Sariyer
    Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Savas Tasoglu

    (Koç University, Sariyer
    Koç University Arçelik Research Center for Creative Industries (KUAR), Koç University, Sariyer
    Koc University Is Bank Artificial Intelligence Lab (KUIS AILab), Koç University, Sariyer
    Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

Abstract

Microrobots have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their unique features to accomplish tasks in hard-to-reach sites in the human body. Microrobots can be precisely actuated and maneuvered individually or in a swarm for cargo delivery, sampling, surgery, and imaging applications. In addition, microrobots have found applications in the environmental sector (e.g., water treatment). Besides, recent advancements of three-dimensional (3D) printers have enabled the high-resolution fabrication of microrobots with a faster design-production turnaround time for users with limited micromanufacturing skills. Here, the latest end applications of 3D printed microrobots are reviewed (ranging from environmental to biomedical applications) along with a brief discussion over the feasible actuation methods (e.g., on- and off-board), and practical 3D printing technologies for microrobot fabrication. In addition, as a future perspective, we discussed the potential advantages of integration of microrobots with smart materials, and conceivable benefits of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as physical intelligence (PI). Moreover, in order to facilitate bench-to-bedside translation of microrobots, current challenges impeding clinical translation of microrobots are elaborated, including entry obstacles (e.g., immune system attacks) and cumbersome standard test procedures to ensure biocompatibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh & Misagh Rezapour Sarabi & Mehmet Tugrul Birtek & Siamak Seyfi & Metin Sitti & Savas Tasoglu, 2022. "3D-printed microrobots from design to translation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-33409-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33409-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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