The key to the tiny robots’ movement is their tiny actuators. The actuator uses a material called a shape memory alloy that is able to change shapes when heated. It is called ‘shape memory’ because it remembers and then returns to its original shape. In the case of the WSU robots, however, the actuators are made of two tiny shape memory alloy wires that are 1/1000 of an inch in diameter. Compared to other technologies used to make robots move, the SMA technology also requires only a very small amount of electricity or heat to make them move.

Source: Indian Express January 24, 2024 06:33 UTC