Star-shaped Microgrippers

In most instances, soft robotics perform gripping function—from handling delicate electronic components to repairing instruments in space. Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University are working on a biodegradable micro-gripper, made of hydrogel and magnetic nanoparticles, that they envision doing biopsies or delivering drugs to precise locations in the body. A magnetic probe moves these starfish-like robots and their sensitivity to heat, pH and light causes them to grasp samples of tissue (as, say, from a tumor).   MORE WITH VIDEO

Image Credit:   American Chemical Society and MedicalNewsToday.com