Short Range Independent Microrobotics Program (SHRIMP)
Abstract
The Short Range Independent Microrobotics Program (SHRIMP) will develop microrobots with the ability to clandestinely enter tactical environments and perform close-proximity (within 10cm) functions. These ant-sized microrobots could obtain local sensing data, such as visual, audio, or chemical trace data, whereas similar capabilities today would require hand-placed sensors or not be performed at all. SHRIMP microrobots should be able to self-navigate to an objective location and operate indefinitely from harvested energy. The primary technical developments needed are in the efficiency, robustness, and control of millimeter-scale actuators, which allow the robots to move using new materials, processing, and sensor integration techniques. Recent advances in the strength, efficiency, and robustness of small actuators points to the possibility of efficient land microrobots capable of carrying their power source and traveling nearly 0.5 kilometers on a single battery charge. Successful execution of the SHRIMP program will advance the micro-robotics field, allowing for practical national security applications such as clandestine tactical data collection or strategic communication disruption enabled by colonies of deployed microrobots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- e1546db4169fbb009e164b162c5aedf9