Microrobots harness sound waves for self-repairing swarms

Amaravati, October 16, 2025:

Researchers at Penn State have developed a theoretical framework for microrobots that coordinate through sound waves, enabling them to gather into unified formations, adjust to disruptions, and restore functionality without intricate programming. Each unit consists of basic components: a motor for propulsion, a microphone for sensing, a speaker for signalling, and an oscillator for timing, allowing the group to align movements toward the loudest acoustic cue, mimicking the cohesion of insect swarms or fish schools.

Led by Igor Aronson, the work, published in Physical Review X on August 12, 2025, demonstrates how these low-energy signals outperform slower chemical methods for rapid, far-reaching communication.

The innovation holds promise for practical roles in navigating rubble-strewn disaster zones, clearing contaminants in tight spaces, or delivering targeted therapies within the body. Aronson noted the surprise in their efficiency: "We never anticipated such advanced group dynamics from these basic setups."

Funded by the John Templeton Foundation, the findings suggest real-world versions could soon emerge, tackling environmental and health challenges with minimal design demands.