Vodka-powered robots that glide across water could have several applications

Potential applications for these robots include cleaning up oil spills or hazardous materials on water, where traditional equipment might be too invasive. The robots are small and eco-friendly, using minimal resources while leaving no harmful residue.

Researchers at Harvard University have designed groundbreaking robots that use vodka as fuel, drawing inspiration from the physics behind how Cheerios stick together in milk.

By leveraging the Marangoni effect, these robots are able to move across water surfaces without motors or batteries. This innovation could lead to significant advancements in environmental cleanup, medical delivery systems, and precision robotics, New Scientist reported.

The Marangoni effect, a phenomenon where variations in surface tension cause liquids to flow, powers these robots.

When a liquid with lower surface tension—such as vodka—mixes with water, it creates a force that drives motion.

These robots release controlled amounts of vodka to generate a propulsion force, enabling them to glide efficiently across water. Unlike conventional robots, they are lightweight and simple, relying entirely on surface tension changes for movement.

This design was inspired by the same physical forces that cause Cheerios to cluster together in milk, which results from liquid surface interactions. By applying this principle, the researchers developed robots that can stick together, mimic coordinated movement, or operate individually, depending on their deployment needs.

Potential applications for these robots include cleaning up oil spills or hazardous materials on water, where traditional equipment might be too invasive.

Their ability to navigate fragile environments with precision also makes them ideal for delivering drugs in medical treatments or studying delicate ecosystems.

The robots are small and eco-friendly, using minimal resources while leaving no harmful residues.

The research reflects how everyday phenomena can inspire innovative technologies. By combining physics and engineering, Harvard’s team has introduced a new class of robots that could address complex challenges with elegance and efficiency.

Disclaimer: This article has been written by generative AI and has been reviewed and edited by the DH Web Desk.