Si chiplet-controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments.

Yeji Lee, Vineeth K Bandari, John S McCaskill, Pranathi Adluri, Daniil Karnaushenko, Dmitriy D Karnaushenko, Oliver G Schmidt

August 2025 Sci Robot

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The discussions support the significance of the research with mentions of its innovative self-assembling, solar-powered features, and potential real-world applications, using language like 'breakthrough' and 'promising,' which reflects both interest and recognition of its possible impact.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the novelty and potential of the smartlet technology, indicating general support.

I
Interest
 Moderate level of interest

Participants show moderate curiosity, especially regarding the capabilities like self-assembly and communication in aquatic settings.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Several posts highlight specific features, such as power harvesting and self-propulsion, suggesting thoughtful engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

There is an overall belief that this technology could have meaningful applications in fields like medicine or manufacturing.

Social Mentions

YouTube

3 Videos

Twitter

9 Posts

Blogs

4 Articles

News

10 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

145,586

Total Likes

780

Extended Reach

221,516

Social Features

26

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

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Autonomous Underwater Microrobots with Communication & Collaboration

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August 23, 2025

1,994 views

  • Sandra Hope
    @spanishblueye (Twitter)

    RT @SciRobotics: A new Science #Robotics study describes the design of smartlets—#modular #microrobots that can harvest power from ambient…
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    August 25, 2025

    3

  • Fleek Futurist —
    @FleekFuturist (Twitter)

    RT @SciRobotics: A new Science #Robotics study describes the design of smartlets—#modular #microrobots that can harvest power from ambient…
    view full post

    August 25, 2025

    3

  • Salman Ibne Eunus
    @ibne_eunus (Twitter)

    RT @SciRobotics: A new Science #Robotics study describes the design of smartlets—#modular #microrobots that can harvest power from ambient…
    view full post

    August 25, 2025

    3

  • Science Robotics
    @SciRobotics (Twitter)

    A new Science #Robotics study describes the design of smartlets—#modular #microrobots that can harvest power from ambient sunlight and split water into gas bubbles to propel themselves in liquids. https://t.co/fyybMcIoBc https://t.co/RBWcqFV6c8
    view full post

    August 25, 2025

    20

    3

  • Gordan Knott
    @GordanKnott (Twitter)

    RT @SciRobotics: Scientists have developed self-assembling, #solar-powered #microrobots that can propel themselves through water and commun…
    view full post

    August 22, 2025

    4

  • Iwahori Toshiki
    @iw_toshiki (Twitter)

    RT @SciRobotics: Scientists have developed self-assembling, #solar-powered #microrobots that can propel themselves through water and commun…
    view full post

    August 22, 2025

    4

  • Science Robotics
    @SciRobotics (Twitter)

    Scientists have developed self-assembling, #solar-powered #microrobots that can propel themselves through water and communicate with each other via light. @TUChemnitz Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/fyybMcIoBc https://t.co/1S4kDciV0t
    view full post

    August 22, 2025

    17

    4

  • Active Matter (Natural/Artificial) Science
    @microswimm18382 (Twitter)

    RT @nanomotorupdate: Si chiplet–controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments | Science Roboti…
    view full post

    August 21, 2025

    1

  • Nanomotor Update
    @nanomotorupdate (Twitter)

    Si chiplet–controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments | Science Robotics | 2025-08-20 https://t.co/wNZ81K86rk
    view full post

    August 20, 2025

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Abstract Synopsis

  • Modular microrobotics can solve complex microtasks in fields like medicine and manufacturing but face challenges due to limited surface area affecting power and communication.
  • Researchers demonstrated a new type of micromodule, called smartlets (≤ 1 mm³), which self-fold and self-roll with integrated features for buoyancy control, solar energy harvesting, and communication.
  • The technology utilizes affordable mass production techniques and allows for precise individual control of smartlets within a collective system, mimicking the capabilities of biological cells for various microscopic applications.