Bio-inspired propeller robot with controllable pitch driven by magnetic and optical coupling field

The ability of controlled pitch variation can give more forms of motion to the micro-rotor. By combining the photothermal conversion material CNTs with temperature-sensitive hydrogel material, the hydrogel can be driven by light to produce a recoverable and controlled deformation, which is verified by the swimming of a bionic jellyfish. Furthermore, we innovatively apply the variable pitch form of helicopters to the motion of micro-propellers. The magnetic field is used to power the rotation of the micro-rotor robot, and the light illumination provides the pitch variation capability to facilitate the manipulation of the motion behavior of the micro-rotor robot. Driven by a magnetic and optical coupling field, the ascending and descending of micro-propellers carrying objects are achieved. Our design provides a novel idea for the control strategy of micro-robots.