Light-Driven Microrobots: Mechanisms and Applications

Light, as an external stimulus or energy source, is capable of driving the motion of microrobots with the advantages of dynamic programmable, wireless, and remote manipulation on demand with high spatial and temporal resolution. The focus of this chapter is on the state-of-the-art light-driven microrobots, which can do mechanical work by harvesting light energy or use light to control the use of other energy sources. Based on different operating principles, light-driven microrobots are classified into three categories, namely, optical microrobot, opto-mechanical soft microrobot, and opto-chemical microrobot. The working mechanisms and applications of each category of light-driven microrobots are presented and discussed, including their advantages and limitations. Finally, we provide a critical outlook for this field and highlight the challenges together with some perspectives and solutions. By providing a comprehensive review of the light-driven microrobotic technology, this chapter is expected to incubate innovative ideas and promote future development and new applications of light-driven microrobots.