Brainbots as smart autonomous active particles with programmable motion

Noirhomme, M.; Mammadli, I.; Vanesse, N.; Smith, Ana-Sunčana; Vandewalle, Nicolas (2025) Brainbots as smart autonomous active particles with programmable motion. Physical Review Applied, 23 (6). ISSN 2331-7019

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Abstract

We present an innovative robotic device designed to provide controlled motion for studying active matter. Motion is driven by an internal vibrator powered by a small rechargeable battery. The system integrates acoustic and magnetic sensors along with a programmable microcontroller. Unlike conventional vibrobots, the motor induces horizontal vibrations, resulting in cycloidal trajectories that have been characterized and optimized. Portions of these orbits can be utilized to create specific motion patterns. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate how this versatile system can be exploited to develop active particles with varying dynamics, ranging from ballistic motion to run-and-tumble diffusive behavior.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Biomimetic & bio-inspired materials; Brownian motion; Active Brownian particles; Self-propelled particles
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics
Divisions:	Division of Physical Chemistry
Depositing User:	Dorijan Vulić
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2026 09:06
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/11186
DOI:	10.1103/pv3d-7s54

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