A Robot Platform for Highly Efficient Pollutant Purification

In this study, we propose a highly efficient robot platform for pollutant adsorption. This robot system consists of a flapping-wing micro aircraft (FWMA) for long-distance transportation and delivery and cost-effective multifunctional Janus microrobots for pollutant purification. The flapping-wing micro air vehicle can hover for 11.3 km with a flapping frequency of approximately 15 Hz, fly forward up to 31.6 km/h, and drop microrobots to a targeted destination. The Janus microrobot, which is composed of a silica microsphere, nickel layer, and hydrophobic layer, is used to absorb the oil and process organic pollutants. These Janus microrobots can be propelled fast up to 9.6 body lengths per second, and on-demand speed regulation and remote navigation are manageable. These Janus microrobots can continuously carry oil droplets in aqueous environments under the control of a uniform rotating magnetic field. Because of the fluid dynamics induced by the Janus microrobots, a highly efficient removal of Rhodamine B is accomplished. This smart robot system may open a door for pollutant purification.

Automated summary

This study proposes an efficient robot platform for pollutant adsorption, consisting of a flapping-wing micro aircraft and multifunctional Janus microrobots. The micro aircraft is used for long-distance transportation and delivery, while the Janus microrobots are used for pollutant purification. The Janus microrobots, composed of silica microspheres, nickel layers, and hydrophobic layers, can propel fast and carry oil droplets in aqueous environments, achieving efficient pollutant removal.