Researchers Develop World's First Flying Microrobot For Microscale Applications
Is this the first step towards clouds of microbots that can join together and form objects?
"We have developed a magnetically levitated microrobot, which is a new technology for manipulation using flying microrobots," said Khamesee, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering skilled in developing micro-scale devices using magnetic levitation.
"We are the first in the world to make such a floating robot equipped with microgrippers. It can enter virtually any space and can be operated in a sealed enclosure by a person outside, which makes it useful for handling biohazardous materials or working in vacuum chambers and clean rooms."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413205339.htm
