About the episode
Researchers are increasingly able to make smart material that responds to stimuli such as light, temperature or pressure. Now a group of scientists has made that material fly.
They call it an artificial seed, but the robot with bushy wings that fits on a fingertip is perhaps the most like a fairy.
The wings move in response to light. For example from a laser beam or simple LED lamp. The robot also weighs so little that it can float on air currents. By changing the shape of the wings along the way in response to the wind, it can travel considerable distances and change direction. Landing and take-off is also possible.
Now the scientists want to adjust the design in such a way that it responds to sunlight and that they can add sensors, GPS and molecules, for example. One of the applications they have in mind: artificial pollination. The robots with pollen on board move along with the wind and can be adjusted towards trees and plants that need it.
But we are not there yet. First, the robot must be made reusable or degradable. And landing on a precise spot – necessary if you have to reach a specific tree species – is not yet entirely smooth.
Read more about the research: A fairy-like robot flies by the power of wind and light.
