MIT Creates Tiny Batteries for Small Robots

Researchers at MIT have developed a groundbreaking battery that could power miniature robots capable of delivering medication directly into the cells of patients, such as insulin for those with diabetes. Unlike current designs that rely on solar power or lasers, which limit the robots' mobility within the body, this new battery is significantly smaller—measuring just 0.1 millimeters long and 0.002 millimeters thick. The innovation allows these robots, referred to as "marionettes," to operate independently without needing an external energy source. The new battery consists of a zinc electrode and a platinum electrode embedded in a polymer called SU-8, created through a process known as photolithography. This technique, commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing, enables the precise fabrication of these tiny batteries. The researchers connected the batteries to cell-sized robots, which are also being developed in Strano's lab, demonstrating their potential to power various functions, including a clock circuit and nano-sized sensors. The implications of this technology are significant, as it could lead to the development of medical robots capable of releasing drugs at specific times or locations within the body. Strano emphasized that this innovation represents a foundational step toward creating functional systems at the cellular level, akin to how electric cars are designed around their batteries. The research opens new avenues for targeted drug delivery and advanced medical treatments, potentially transforming patient care.