Marc Miskin, PhD, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Systems Engineering led a team of researchers that developed origami-inspired microbots that have the potential to fix damaged nerves. The microrobots are formed using the same machines used to make semiconductor chips, and the legs of the robots bend using folding hinges and rigid panels.
Once created, the microrobots’ movements are either pre-programmed using laser patterns or controlled in real time by shining light on them. The goal of this innovative technology is to use the microrobots to assist in repairing peripheral nerves. Miskin’s team plans to develop tiny-legged robots that can grab onto nerves and drag them back to the muscle they’re supposed to be connected to. Watch the video on CNN here.