Smallest Autonomous Sandia Mini-Robots

The project explains the actions of Sandia mini-robots that can turn on a dime and park on a nickel.

The min-robot weighs less than an ounce with ¼ cubic inch size which could possibly be the smallest autonomous robot. Three watch batteries are used to power the mini-robot and primarily limit its ultimate size while it rides on track wheels. The body must be large enough to hold batteries to support power requirements of the robot. It consists of an 8K ROM processor, two motors that drive the wheels, and temperature sensor. A miniature camera, communication device, chemical micro-sensor, and microphone are being considered for enhancements.

During the operation, the mini-robot can maneuver its way through a field of dimes and nickels and travel at about 20 inches per minute before sitting easily on a nickel. Due to the small size of the wheels, the mobility was limited so the wheel structure of the device was redesigned. The robot bodies have cavities for batteries, the electronics-embedded glass substrate, tiny motors, switches, axles, and other parts. The stereolithography material is lightweight and can be formed in complex shapes which grows as each layer is added.

Rest of the project