3D printed bionic ants communicate wirelessly to drag object across floor

Powered by ceramic motors, guided by an optical laser and communicating via WiFi, a trio of bionic ants have teamed up to move an object across the floor.

Designed to mimic the cooperative behaviour of their living counterparts, these high-tech copycats are the brainchild of German engineering firm Festo, which created them using a 3D printer to craft a carapace overlaid with electronic circuits.

The ants are also fitted with a conductive antenna that enables them to autonomously recharge their own batteries.

These bionic critters mark the first step towards Festo’s ongoing goal of creating intelligent robots capable of working in factories and adapting to changing requirements.

They join a growing menagerie of robotic animals, which includes kangaroos that can bounce on flexible blades, an elephant trunk that can learn to pick up objects and penguins that can swim and fly with the aid of helium-filled balloons.

Festo will officially debut the bionic ants at the Hannover Messe technology trade fair in April.