Microrobots Based on Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogels: Development Status and Prospects

Abstract

Since the first robot was born 60 years ago, it has provided great convenience for human production and life. In order to meet the needs of working in small spaces, the development of robots is gradually moving toward miniaturization. Microrobots can be as small as the micro- or nanolevel, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional robots with large size and limited working space. It has development prospects in intelligent transportation, biomedicine, and other fields. Stimulus-responsive hydrogels are often used to fabricate stimulus-responsive microrobots. Compared with traditional rigid robots, hydrogel-based stimulus-responsive robots are simpler to manufacture and more flexible in movement. This article focuses on the types and structures of stimulus-responsive hydrogels and summarizes the manufacturing technology and latest applications of stimulus-responsive microrobots. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of stimulus-responsive microrobots are presented.