Researchers create soft robot tentacles able to safely pick up an ant

Researchers have created tiny soft robotic tentacles able to successfully pick up an ant without harming or killing it. The tentacle can also pick up fish eggs, a strong indication the technology may be used in microscopic surgeries that require extreme precision.

The Iowa State University researchers chose a manner that each microscopic tube is coil and move in a spiraling manner, similar to an octopus arm. Measuring up to 8 millimeters in length, each tube has a silicone rubber ring located at the base that give the tubes strength.

"The gentle spiraling and scooping motion of our micro-tentacle will definitely help," said Jaeyoun Kim, electrical engineer at Iowa State University, said in a statement to Live Science. It's impressive research that could have a major impact on surgeries - hopefully preventing tissue damage to the medical patient.

Micro-robotics and soft-robotics are receiving a lot of attention in the robotics field right now, so it's great to see projects that combine the best of both worlds.