November 18, 2014

Better micro-actuators to transport materials in liquids




Researchers have developed improved forms of tiny magnetic actuators thanks to new materials and a microscopic 3D printing technology.

Scientists have been conducting research on micrometre-sized actuators which one day may make it possible to transport drugs or chemical sensor molecules to specific locations throughout the human body. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now taken the development of such micro-devices a crucial step forward: a new production technology and new materials have made it possible to manufacture tiny actuators in any form and optimise them for future applications.