Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Urso, Christian Iffelsberger, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study introduces a new concept of self-propelled microscale energy storage elements and demonstrates their pseudocapacitive nature through scanning electrochemical microscopy. The technology shows great potential for autonomously delivering energy storage units to electronic circuits.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seyyed Mohsen Beladi-Mousavi, Sona Hermanova, Yulong Ying, Jan Plutnar, Martin Pumera
Summary: A proof-of-concept study introduces an active photocatalytic degradation procedure using intelligent visible-light-driven microrobots capable of capturing and degrading microplastics on-the-fly. These robots have built-in photocatalytic and magnetic materials for self-propelled motion under sunlight and precise actuation under a magnetic field. The photocatalytic robots generate a local self-stirring effect at the nanoscale, enhancing interaction with microplastics without the need for exterior mechanical stirrers typically used in conventional systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: The growing use of plastic materials has resulted in the accumulation of waste in marine environments, causing hazardous micro- and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic pollutants, support bacterial growth, and spread through the food chain, posing serious risks to human health. Therefore, addressing nano/microplastics pollution is crucial, and self-propelled nano/microrobots have shown promise in their efficient removal. This review critically examines advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots, as well as the challenges and future prospects of this research field.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fatemeh Rajabasadi, Lukas Schwarz, Mariana Medina-Sancehz, Oliver G. Schmidt
Summary: Additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing and two-photon polymerization have advanced micro/nano-fabrication, offering high resolution and reproducibility. Particularly in the field of medical microrobotics, the use of smart materials and complex structures presents new opportunities for innovation and research.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xinkang Wang, Lele Li, Enping Liu, Juanjuan Wang, Xue Han, Yanping Cao, Conghua Lu
Summary: This study reports a high-performance multiresponsive bilayer actuator with outstanding humidity/light/electricity/thermal responses. The actuator is achieved by depositing a polypyrrole layer on a polyethylene glycol terephthalate substrate via chemical oxidation polymerization, leading to the formation of PPy hierarchical micro-/nanostructures. The actuator exhibits large deformation capability and can be controlled to achieve reversible complex deformations between two- and three-dimensional configurations. Additionally, the actuator shows promising applications in various fields such as artificial muscles and soft microrobots.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Miquel Garcia-Fernandez, Isaac Hoyas-Ester, Alex Lopez-Cruces, Malgorzata Siutkowska, Xavier Banque-Casanovas
Summary: The proposed method in this paper allows for meter-level accuracy positioning by estimating the positions and hardware biases of WiFi access points based on data provided by user terminals. Experimental results show that under unobstructed open sky conditions, the method can achieve accuracies better than 1.5 meters.
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Seyda Gunduz, Hassan Albadawi, Rahmi Oklu
Summary: Minimally invasive endovascular interventions are crucial in treating vascular diseases, but facing challenges when adopting an all-endovascular approach. Next-generation smart soft-body robots have the potential to replace existing clinical devices and set the future standards for minimally invasive endovascular therapies.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Min Wang, Yue Gao, James H. Pikul
Summary: Computer-free autonomous decision making based on environmental cues provides exciting alternatives to classic control systems for robots and smart materials. This work overcomes the limitation of insufficient power from environmental chemicals in dry environments by using an environmentally controlled voltage source (ECVS) that enables computer-free autonomous navigation and increased energy for vehicles. The ECVS extracts power from chemical fuels using electrochemistry and avoids hazards, while also being able to perform logical functions based on the chemicals in contact with it. This research presents a new method of steering and powering vehicles and robots without computers by directly responding to chemical fields in the environment using electrochemistry.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Aldosary Saad, Ahmed M. Shehata
Summary: The concept of smart industry is becoming prominent in industrial autonomous vehicle navigation systems, with self-controlled touring and movement (SCTM) method proposed to improve the output of vehicle movements under controlled operating errors. The SCTM method reduces error by 9.73% and delay by 17.1%, while increasing the balancing factor by 8.3% for different tour instances.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhijie Zhou, Haixiang Xu, Hui Feng, Wenjuan Li
Summary: This paper proposes a data fusion method based on game theory to accurately and reliably estimate the ship's motions in real-time. By considering a model-driven discrete-time Kalman fusion and a data-driven adaptive weighted fusion, this method provides accurate estimations and demonstrates fault-tolerance performance. Extensive simulations and model experiments validate the effectiveness and real-time applicability of the proposed method.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Zhengxin Yang, Lidong Yang, Li Zhang
Summary: This article proposes a novel navigation framework for untethered magnetic miniature robots, utilizing a three-step motion planner and a double-loop motion controller to achieve understanding of the environment, optimal path generation, and intelligent collision avoidance. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy in enabling autonomous navigation of microrobots in maze-like environments.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lulu Cheng, Ning Zhao, Kan Wu, Zhibin Chen
Summary: This paper investigates the optimization problem of scheduling strategies for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at smart hospitals, where the service and travel times of AMRs are stochastic. The goal is to minimize the total cost of the hospital by reducing the number of AMRs and travel distance while satisfying various constraints, ultimately enhancing efficiency and meeting medical demands.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yuhao Bai, Baohua Zhang, Naimin Xu, Jun Zhou, Jiayou Shi, Zhihua Diao
Summary: Autonomous navigation of agricultural robots in agricultural environments is challenging due to their complex and unstructured nature. Machine vision technology has been intensively studied and widely used in the field of agricultural navigation. This paper reviews the research advances in machine vision-based navigation and guidance for agricultural robots, discusses key visual navigation information processing technologies, and focuses on the application of vision-based navigation technology for agricultural robots. The challenges and future development prospects of machine vision in agricultural robot navigation are also discussed.
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Muhammed Oguz Tas, Hasan Serhan Yavuz, Ahmet Yazici
Summary: ATVs are critical components in context-aware structured smart factories in the Industry 4.0 era. High-definition mapping, not previously used in smart factories, has been proposed in this study for more efficient and successful navigation. This methodology includes object detection and localization tools to visually detect objects and determine their positions in connection with conventional maps.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & THEORETICAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mohan Chen, Dazheng Feng, Hongtao Su
Summary: In this study, a spiking neural network model combining the chemotaxis behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans and the Levy walk strategy is proposed for autonomous navigation and contour tracking. The experimental results demonstrate that the model can control navigation through output spikes and achieve efficient search and tracking.
KSII TRANSACTIONS ON INTERNET AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jyoti, Edurne Redondo, Osamah Alduhaish, Martin Pumera
Summary: This article introduces the advantages of 3D printing technology and its application in manufacturing nanocarbon electrodes. The study found that 3D printing can be used for low-cost and diagnosis of priority nerve agents.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ben Wang, Stephan Handschuh-Wang, Jie Shen, Xuechang Zhou, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu, Martin Pumera, Li Zhang
Summary: Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various applications, thanks to their ability to perform tasks at small length scales. The viscous and surface forces, such as adhesive forces and surface tension, have become dominant as robots are miniaturized, significantly impacting motion efficiency. Surface engineering with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications provides a new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability of SSRs to target and regulate robots for various tasks.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Su-Jin Song, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jan Vyskocil, Marketa Castoralova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Magnetotactic bacteria can be precisely controlled by applying a magnetic field, allowing them to remove organic phosphate pesticides from aqueous solutions by binding with organic matter. These bacteria exhibit swarm behavior and can move in a circular direction under a programmed magnetic field. This technology shows potential for pollution removal and retrieval in various environments through directional magnetic actuation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Hana Michalkova, Zbynek Heger, Martin Pumera
Summary: In this study, microrobots based on quinacridone and indigo, members of the organic hydrogen-bonded pigment family, were prepared. The microrobots were fabricated by depositing asymmetric platinum on corresponding micro-particles of quinacridone and indigo, resulting in a homogeneous size and shape distribution. These organic pigment-based microrobots exhibited autonomous locomotion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and their internalization into mouse colorectal carcinoma cells was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. This study highlights the potential of fabricating hydrogen-bonded organic pigment-based microrobots for biomedical applications using nanoarchitectonics principles.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siowwoon Ng, Martin Pumera
Summary: Germanene, as a germanium analog of graphene, has shown great potential as a two-dimensional layered material with customizable properties and new functionalities. This review comprehensively covers the preparation, functionalization, and properties of germananes, as well as their applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensors, and biomedical areas.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jan Vyskocil, Martin Pumera
Summary: The authors developed a black phosphorous-based tactile sensor array system that provides touch sensing and audio feedback. This assistive technology is utilized by visually or speech-disabled individuals to communicate using audio as a platform. The piezoresistive tactile sensor based on a black phosphorous and polyaniline composite showed excellent sensitivity, low-pressure sensitivity, reasonable response time, and good cycle stability. A prototype device using six of these tactile sensors was able to convert pressed text into audio to assist visually or speech-disabled persons.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michela Sanna, Katarina A. A. Novcic, Siowwoon Ng, Miroslav Cerny, Martin Pumera
Summary: MAX phases are layered ternary compounds with physical properties that have been widely studied, including their use in the synthesis of MXenes. Recently, their unexpected photoactivity under visible light has been reported. Through theoretical calculations and experimental characterisation, it was found that MAX phases have photoabsorption capabilities attributed to the presence of photoactive oxide impurities on their surface. These impurities naturally form from contact with air and solvents. This study highlights the potential use of MAX phases in other photoelectrochemical processes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jaroslav Zelenka, Karel Klima, Michaela Kubanova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Modern micro/nanorobots have versatile capabilities for biomedical and environmental tasks. Magnetic microrobots are particularly promising for biomedical applications, as they can be fully controlled by a rotating magnetic field without the use of toxic fuels. These microrobots can also form swarms to perform tasks at a larger scale.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: Mass transfer plays a crucial role in heterogeneous reactions. Micro/nanomachines, as a promising technology for environmental applications, can greatly improve the performance of purification treatments due to their active motion ability and enhanced diffusion. In this study, we developed Pt-free single-component light-powered WO3 micromotors with enhanced diffusion and effective degradation capability for nitroaromatic contaminants in water.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Stefan Wert, Christian Iffelsberger, Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Martin Pumera
Summary: Transition metal trichalcogenphosphites (MPX3) are 2D materials with potential as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In our study, we found that edge-like defects of FePSe3 crystals exhibit increased electrochemical activity and catalytic activity for the HER. These findings have important implications for the application of these materials in electrochemistry and for understanding the electrochemical performance of layered compounds.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paula Mayorga-Burrezo, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Micromachines have been functionalized with magnetic components to achieve efficient magnetic microrobots with photodegradation activity for environmental pollutant decomposition. The influence of photocatalyst on the micromotors' trajectory in conjunction with magnetic motion was investigated. The light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) power the microrobots and have a strong influence on magnetic trajectories, resulting in an unexpected alteration of their motion direction. These dual magnetic/photocatalytic microrobots showed great potential for catalytic applications in various fields.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keval K. Sonigara, Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Flexible aqueous zinc-ion batteries with a Ti3C2Tx decorated sulfur cathode and iodine-added amphiphilic gel electrolyte show high storage capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent mechanical stability. They can power various electronic gadgets and offer promising potential for flexible energy storage technologies.
NPJ 2D MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyoti, Jose Munoz, Martin Pumera
Summary: Graphene quantum dot-based microrobots demonstrate potential for optical real-time monitoring of DNA, offering high sensitivity and selectivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Radhika Nittoor Veedu, Siowwoon Ng, Michela Sanna, Martin Pumera
Summary: 3D printing technology allows for the creation of 3D electrodes, however, printed devices lack certain properties. To improve the photoelectrochemical properties of these electrodes, functionalized 2D germananes can be beneficial and the enhancement of photoelectrocatalytic performance extending with applications beyond water splitting.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siowwoon Ng, Michela Sanna, Edurne Redondo, Martin Pumera
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a popular technique for producing customized parts, and 3D carbon electrodes have great potential in electrochemical applications. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) can create functional coatings on 3D carbon electrodes, enhancing their performance in light-driven water splitting hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
