At Seoul National University, a research team led by Won Jun Song has created an entirely 3D-printed microrobot platform designed to thrive in multiple environments. Their work, published in Advanced Materials, represents a shift from specialized miniature robots toward general-purpose micro-systems — robots that can adapt their form and function much like drones adapt to different missions.
Each microrobot is made of a main control body connected to interchangeable modules. Foot modules allow walking on varied terrains, including sand and water; head modules enable real-time communication with other robots or humans; and connector modules let multiple microrobots join together to operate as a coordinated swarm.
The robots’ power comes from large-displacement dielectric elastomer actuators, giving them smooth, organic motion without the need for rigid motors. Using a custom multi-material 3D printer, the team can produce up to eight identical robots in a single print cycle, allowing for fast scaling and customization — a critical step toward commercial deployment.
The implications reach far beyond laboratories. In biomedicine, such microrobots could navigate the bloodstream or deliver drugs to targeted sites. In environmental science, they might monitor confined or hazardous zones, collect samples, or assess water quality. In industrial inspection, they could explore tight machinery spaces where humans or larger robots cannot go.
By uniting adaptability, modularity, and scalable 3D fabrication, Seoul National University’s design signals a future where tiny, reconfigurable robots handle diverse real-world tasks — from healing inside the body to exploring new planetary terrains.
Leave a comment