Story perspectives

Tiny Laser-Powered Gears Revolutionize Microrobotics and Medicine

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg created tiny laser-powered gears, measuring 16-20 micrometers, the smallest motorized gears to date.
They replaced traditional mechanical systems with optical metasurfaces for precise motion control.
The gears can run for up to eleven hours, generating significant torque.
Future uses include targeted drug delivery and advanced lab-on-a-chip systems.
This research advances microrobotics and precision manufacturing for innovative medical devices.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg created tiny laser-powered gears, measuring 16-20 micrometers, the smallest motorized gears to date.
They replaced traditional mechanical systems with optical metasurfaces for precise motion control.
The gears can run for up to eleven hours, generating significant torque.
Future uses include targeted drug delivery and advanced lab-on-a-chip systems.
This research advances microrobotics and precision manufacturing for innovative medical devices.