MIT engineers have devised an exceptionally tiny battery with the potential to revolutionize the use of cell-sized robots for diverse applications, including medical treatments within the human body and detecting gas leaks in pipelines. This innovative battery measures a mere 0.1 millimeters in length and 0.002 millimeters in thickness, about the size of a human hair. It operates by using oxygen from the air to oxidize zinc, producing a current of up to 1 volt, sufficient to power small circuits, sensors, and actuators.
The research team, spearheaded by Ge Zhang, PhD ’22, and graduate student Sungyun Yang, published their groundbreaking work in Science Robotics. They focused on overcoming a critical challenge in miniaturized robotics: enabling autonomous operation without an external power source. Unlike previous robots that required continuous light sources or were tethered to external power, this new zinc-air battery allows for free movement.
Proof-of-concept demonstrations have shown that the battery can efficiently power various components, including robotic arms (actuators), memristors (memory devices), and clock circuits. It can also drive two types of sensors that alter their electrical resistance upon detecting specific chemicals.
One of the primary objectives of the team is to develop diminutive robots for precise drug delivery within the body, such as administering insulin to targeted areas. For these applications, they are considering biocompatible materials that degrade safely after the robots have completed their tasks.
Future efforts from the MIT researchers aim to increase the battery’s voltage, potentially unlocking even more advanced applications. This pioneering research has garnered support from notable organizations, including the U.S. Army Research Office, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
