Tampere University researchers recently developed a Dandelion seed-inspired flying robot that could potentially replace pollinators.

About FAIRY Robots:

• The FAIRY robot, which is based on the Light Responsive Materials Assembly, is a tiny lightweight robot that floats in the wind.
• Surprisingly, the robot can be controlled by a light source like a laser beam or an LED.
• Researchers could use light to change the shape of the robot, allowing it to adapt to the direction of the wind.
• A soft actuator made of light-responsive liquid crystalline elastomer powers the polymer assembly robot inspired by dandelion seeds.
• As a result, the researchers were able to stimulate the actuator’s bristles to open or close by using visible light