Leiden scientists 3D-print microrobots that “swim” without a brain

2026-03-30 · Source: Dataconomy · Field: Technology & Digital — Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Expert, quick

Summary

Leiden University researchers have successfully 3D-printed microscopic robots capable of swimming and navigating obstacles without requiring sensors or electronic brains. These microrobots, detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are composed of soft, chain-like structures with 5-micrometer segments. They achieve speeds of approximately 7 micrometers per second under an electric field, with their movement and navigation emerging purely from their physical design and continuous feedback between shape and motion. The robots can reroute around obstacles and avoid collisions with each other, drawing inspiration from biological microswimmers like worms and snakes. This development opens new avenues for biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive procedures.

Key takeaway

For AI Scientists and Robotics Engineers developing autonomous micro-systems, this research demonstrates that complex navigation and interaction can arise from physical design rather than solely from computational control. You should explore biomimetic structural designs to reduce reliance on onboard electronics, potentially simplifying fabrication and enabling new applications in constrained environments like the human body. Consider how continuous feedback between physical form and motion can drive emergent behaviors.

Key insights

Microrobots can achieve complex navigation through physical design and environmental feedback, not just electronics.

Principles

• Shape and motion exhibit continuous feedback.
• Emergent behavior reduces electronic complexity.

Method

3D-printing soft, chain-like microrobots with 5-micrometer segments, then applying an electric field to induce movement and emergent navigation.

In practice

• Targeted drug delivery systems.
• Minimally invasive medical procedures.

Topics

• Microrobotics
• 3D Printing
• Emergent Behavior
• Soft Robotics
• Biomedical Applications

Best for: AI Scientist, Robotics Engineer, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Dataconomy.