Microrobot swarms use whirlpools to lift objects and manipulate obejcts without physical contact

Updated on: 28 February,2026 11:24 AM IST | Michigan
Agencies |

Researchers have developed swarms of 300-micrometer magnetic microrobots capable of manipulating, rotating, and assembling objects without making physical contact, instead using fluidic torque to create controlled whirlpools in surrounding liquid that exert force on larger objects

Magnetic microrobot swarms in action. Pic Courtesy/Cornell University

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Microrobot swarms use whirlpools to lift objects and manipulate obejcts without physical contact

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Researchers have commanded swarms of magnetic microrobots to manipulate, rotate, and assemble objects without ever making physical contact. Instead of physical contact, these 300-micrometer robots use fluidic torque — creating controlled whirlpools in the surrounding liquid to exert force on larger objects.

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