Marvel at the mini robots that can perform complex tasks

A team of Chinese and German scientists has created a special mini-robot, inspired by geckos and caterpillars, that can move flexibly and perform complex tasks under grooves and in extreme conditions.

A kind of micro robot. (Artwork. Source: Washington.edu).

Professor Xue Longjian of Wuhan University's Institute of Science and Technology said the robot is only 2cm long and weighs 0.3 grams.

According to the results of the research published in Materials Today, this robot can be remotely controlled by ultraviolet and infrared rays. Robot movement is similar to a caterpillar.

Foot design simulates animals to flexibly move robots on different surfaces. The robot can also withstand very hot or very cold temperatures, and carries a load 50 times its own weight.

Compared to traditional hard robot technology, the newly developed soft robot can be applied in medical and rescue fields.