Advancing Tiny Mechanical Devices with Compliant Mechanisms

Mechanical engineer Mark Rober explores the concept of compliant mechanisms, which are single structures that combine the frame, spring mechanism, and trigger of a device. Collaborating with Brigham Young University, Rober designed an ant-sized blaster gun using compliant mechanisms and released the STL files for 3D printing. The design was further scaled down using carbon nanotubes and even self-assembled using DNA structures. While the practical applications are uncertain, compliant mechanisms hold potential for advancements in medical science and miniaturization.