Independent control of several, untethered microrobots remains a significant challenge. Although progress has been made in controlling multiple robots at scales below 100 mm, motion is dependent on external energy sources for propulsion and is often not fully decoupled. Here, we develop a method to dynamically pattern light at a resolution of 1 μm2per pixel in a closed loop real-time system using a digital micromirror device (DMD) system. We test the system on microbiorobots - bacteria-coated microplates - and demonstrate that we can selectively stimulate pre-defined regions of bioactuators. We verify previously developed dynamic models as a step toward developing individually addressable, self-propelled microrobots.

Microscale robots offer an unprecedented opportunity to perform tasks at resolutions approaching 1 μm, but the great majority of research to this point focuses on actuation and control. Potential applications for microrobots can be considerably expanded by integrating sensing, signal processing and feedback into the system. In this work, we demonstrate that technologies from the field of synthetic biology may be directly integrated into microrobotic systems to create cell-based programmable mobile sensors, with signal processors and memory units. Specifically, we integrate genetically engineered, ultraviolet light-sensing bacteria with magnetic microrobots, creating the first controllable biological microrobot that is capable of exploring, recording and reporting on the state of the microscale environment. We demonstrate two proof-of-concept prototypes: (a) an integrated microrobot platform that is able to sense biochemical signals, and (b) a microrobot platform that is able to deploy biosensor payloads to monitor biochemical signals, both in a biological environment. These results have important implications for integrated micro-bio-robotic systems for applications in biological engineering and research.