Manufacturing Minute: These Mighty Microbots Can Tow 2,000 Times Their Own Weight

In this episode, ant-inspired tiny tugging robots capable of towing a car.

Abbey Dean
Mar 16, 2016
Latest in Industry 4.0
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
Sponsored
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
September 1, 2026
I Stock 2265756989
The Next Phase of Industrial AI Isn't Prediction. It's Action
September 25, 2026
Vulcan Pick 1 Delivering The Future
Amazon Picks U.S. Site for New Plant Producing Robotics Components
September 24, 2026
I Stock 2149854117
P&G, Siemens Roll Out AI-Based Quality Inspection Across Global Operations
September 23, 2026
Related Stories
(Image credit: Draw2CNC)
Industry 4.0
Choosing The Right Prototyping Technique For You
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Industry 4.0
Robotics Expert: Self-Driving Cars Not Ready For Deployment
Mnet 149867 Lempert March15 Listing
Industry 4.0
A Tasting Robot To The Rescue
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
Sponsor Content
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
More in Industry 4.0
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
Sponsored
Your Automation Knows It Stopped, but Does Anyone Else?
The gap between the fault and the first human response is rarely tracked. 
September 1, 2026
I Stock 2265756989
IOT
The Next Phase of Industrial AI Isn't Prediction. It's Action
The next stage of industrial AI will be defined by how multiple AI systems work together.
September 25, 2026
Vulcan Pick 1 Delivering The Future
Operations
Amazon Picks U.S. Site for New Plant Producing Robotics Components
The company has manufactured more than 1 million robots in the U.S. to date.
September 24, 2026
I Stock 2149854117
Software
P&G, Siemens Roll Out AI-Based Quality Inspection Across Global Operations
The solution reduces scrap by up to 20% and new deployments are commissioned 10x faster than traditional vision systems.
September 23, 2026
Harmoni’s Factory Orchestration system deployed on a shop floor.
Artificial Intelligence
HAL Manufacturing AI to Bring Context-Aware Intelligence Directly to Front Lines
Helping teams understand requirements, diagnose issues, identify risks and decide courses of action.
September 22, 2026
Screenshot 2026 09 22 At 8 59 05 Am
Operations
Humanoid Robot Walks Off the Production Line After Assembly
WATCH: XPENG's Iron bot production lines are now in operation.
September 22, 2026
The logo of Chinese technology firm Alibaba is seen at its office in Beijing, Aug. 10, 2021.
Artificial Intelligence
Alibaba Reveals New Powerful Chip; U.S. Concern Rises
The CEO said it is the "most powerful AI chip in China today."
September 22, 2026
A man rides past an operating oil pumpjack in Cabimas, Venezuela, Aug. 31, 2026.
Software
World Leaders Grapple With Climate as Fuel Prices, AI and Disasters Complicate Things
Climate change is "driving up food prices and wider inflation."
September 21, 2026
Boston Dynamics
Automotive
Hyundai Preps Atlas Humanoids for U.S. Assembly
Meanwhile, Toyota foresees a $6.4B automation push.
September 21, 2026
People visit the booth for Chinese AI-computing chip start up Dongfang Suanxin during the World AI Conference in Shanghai, July 17, 2026.
Software
The U.S. and China Are Competing for AI Dominance But Have Shared Concerns Over Safety
The AI rivals have found an unexpected common ground.
September 21, 2026
Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2025.
Software
Will AI Models Achieve the Ability to Improve Autonomously?
Leading labs say the scenario is near.
September 21, 2026
Toyota
Automotive
Toyota Supplier Betting $41M on Kentucky Factory
The project looks to impact nearly 640 jobs.
September 18, 2026
Ai
Artificial Intelligence
Feds Direct $30M to Help Small Manufacturers Deploy AI, Automation
Funding will support MEP centers in 11 states and Puerto Rico.
September 18, 2026
202609016 Joby J208 Tour Mqi Ffa 2
Aerospace
An Autonomous System Flew a Plane Across the Country by Itself
WATCH: It flew 3,199 miles with zero control inputs from its onboard safety pilot.
September 18, 2026
Visitors past by the Huawei booth display of the Atlas 950 SuperPoD during the World AI Conference in Shanghai, China on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
Huawei Unveils New Chip Technologies, Steps Up AI Race With Nvidia
China has rapidly pursued technological self-reliance amid U.S.-led restrictions.
September 17, 2026