Researchers at Cornell University have developed the smallest walking robot to date, designed to interact with visible light waves while remaining small enough to maneuver independently. Its purpose is to move within tissue samples to capture images and measure forces at the scale of the body’s smallest structures.

The team’s paper, titled "Magnetically Programmed Diffractive Robotics," was published in Science.

“A walking robot small enough to shape light effectively brings a microscope's lens directly into the microworld,” said Paul McEuen, professor emeritus of physical science and lead researcher. “It enables close-up imaging that traditional microscopes can’t achieve.”

Cornell scientists already hold the record for the smallest walking robot, measuring between 40 and 70 microns. The new diffractive robots, however, are far smaller, measuring just 5 to 2 microns. "These robots are tiny, and we can control their movements with magnetic fields," said Itai Cohen, professor of physics and co-author of the study.

https://github.com/NathanGRJ/Mecha-Domination-Rampage-MOD-unlimited-diamonds

https://github.com/ThomasKPT/Flame-of-Valhalla-Global-MOD-unlimited-diamonds

https://github.com/WilliamHKN/ARK-Ultimate-Mobile-Edition-MOD-unlimited-keys

https://github.com/AllanNJT/Last-War-Survival-MOD-unlimited-diamonds

https://github.com/PeterGNC/NBA-2K25-MyTEAM-MOD-unlimited-VC

https://github.com/ChristianBNC/Post-Apo-Tycoon-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gems

https://github.com/AidenRTN/Ash-Echoes-Global-MOD-unlimited-free-X-Crystal

https://github.com/AndrewKBT/Grimguard-Tactics-MOD-unlimited-free-rubies

https://github.com/BlakeBNT/LootBoy-MOD-unlimited-diamonds

https://github.com/BrianHNB/Last-Day-on-Earth-Survival-MOD-unlimited-coins

https://github.com/CharlesKPD/Truckers-of-Europe-3-MOD-unlimited-money-all-levels-unlocked

https://github.com/CodyABT/MeChat-MOD-unlimited-gems

https://github.com/ConnorTND/Gold-and-Goblins-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gems

https://github.com/EthanKPN/Head-Ball-2-MOD-unlimited-diamonds-and-coins

https://github.com/EvanKMS/Race-Max-Pro-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gold

https://github.com/EvanBKM/Spider-Fighter-3-MOD-unlimited-money

https://github.com/GabrielKNC/Standoff-2-MOD-unlimited-gold

https://github.com/JackEMB/War-Thunder-Mobile-MOD-unlimited-money

https://github.com/JacobGNO/Flex-City-Vice-Online-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gold

https://github.com/JacobGNT/School-Party-Craft-MOD-unlimited-money

https://github.com/JamesGBT/One-State-RP-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gems

https://github.com/LiamFWV/Ride-Master-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gems

https://github.com/LucasPRB/Rec-Room-MOD-unlimited-tokens

https://github.com/MichaelNGF/Super-City-Building-Master-MOD-unlimited-money-and-gems

https://github.com/NathanKPG/Driving-School-SImulator-EVO-MOD-unlimited-money

For the first time, the research connects untethered robots with imaging techniques based on visible light diffraction—the bending of light waves as they pass through an opening or around an object. This technique requires an opening of a size comparable to the wavelength of the light, making the small scale of the robots essential for the optics to function.

By using magnetic fields to control their movements, the robots can perform a pinching motion that enables them to inch forward on solid surfaces or “swim” through fluids. This combination of maneuverability, flexibility, and sub-diffractive optical technology represents a significant advancement in the field of robotics.

The research was supported by the Cornell Center for Materials Research, the National Science Foundation, and the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility.