Smallest walking robot makes microscale measurements

Cornell University researchers have created the world's smallest walking robot, measuring 2-5 microns. These tiny robots interact with visible light waves, move independently, and can navigate to specific locations in tissue samples for imaging and force measurements. Controlled by magnetic fields, they can inch-worm on surfaces or "swim" through fluids. This breakthrough combines untethered robotics with visible light diffraction imaging, potentially revolutionizing microscopy by placing the lens directly into the microworld for up-close imaging.