Researchers at EPFL have developed an edible robot that combines biodegradable fuel with the Marangoni effect to create a non-toxic alternative for monitoring aquatic environments. This innovative design uses a chemical reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas, propelling the robot across the water's surface without relying on harmful plastics or electronics. The robot is not only effective but also beneficial to aquatic ecosystems, incorporating fish food into its structure for added strength while being environmentally friendly. The research, led by Shuhang Zhang and Dario Floreano, was published in Nature Communications.
The boat-shaped robot takes advantage of the Marangoni effect, propelling itself across the water surface using biodegradable fuel, presenting a non-toxic alternative for environmental monitoring.
This clever design is effective, allowing the robots to move freely around the surface of the water for several minutes, and is entirely non-toxic and biodegradable.
While miniature swimming robots have progressed rapidly, they typically rely on plastics and batteries, challenging their deployment in sensitive ecosystems; our design offers a biodegradable alternative.
The researchers used fish food with a higher protein content for strength and rigidity, making the robot not only harmless but beneficial to aquatic fauna.
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