Gnat robots: a low-intelligence low-cost approach

Suggestions are given to cut the cost of mobile robots with acceptable limitations on intelligence. By shrinking motors and power supplies to the same scale as the sensors and control systems to create gnat-sized autonomous robots, it is possible not only to reduce the size and cost of robots, but also to open up new application areas. Now that actuators can be etched on chips, it is possible to integrate all components of a robotic system into silicon: sensors, electronics, actuators, and power sources. The author suggests that shrinking to this scale, it is possible to take advantage of VLSI manufacturing technology to enable mass production.<>