The smallest micro-gripper, grown on optical fibers, is operated remotely with light

Researchers at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, used the liquid crystal elastomer technology to demonstrate a series of micro-tools grown on optical fibers. The 200-micrometer gripers are controlled remotely, without electric wiring or pneumatic tubing, with green light delivered through the fibers--absorbed light energy is directly converted into the gripper jaws' action.