Twilight Zones and Cornerstones. A Gnat Robot Double Feature

Abstract

We want to build tiny gnat-sized robots, a millimeter or two in diameter. They will be cheap, disposable, totally self-contained autonomous agents able to do useful things in the world. This paper consists of two parts. The first describes why we want to build them. The second is a technical outline of how to go about it. Gnat robots are going to change the world. Gnat robots; Micro robots; Piezoelectric motors; IR/optical cameras; Recursive gnat robot assembly line; Disposable robots.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA220026

Entities

People

  • Anita M. Flynn
  • Lee S. Tavrow
  • Rodney A. Brooks

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assembly
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Computers
  • Dielectrics
  • Energy
  • Energy Storage
  • Fabrication
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials Processing
  • Micromachining
  • Power Supplies
  • Semiconductors
  • Sensor Fusion
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Aerospace Research.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
  • Autonomy