A subdiscipline of robotics concerns itself with the creation of machines at the micrometer scale. These devices, often designed for targeted tasks within confined spaces, represent a fusion of engineering and materials science. A prominent example is a small autonomous construct, beginning with the letters ‘na’, designed for targeted drug delivery.
The potential impact of such technology is substantial. By navigating through the body to reach specific cells or tissues, it could significantly improve the efficacy of treatment while minimizing side effects. Its development has roots in nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), building upon decades of progress in miniaturization.