For some time, researchers have used optical tweezers to manipulate tiny objects with incredible precision, using carefully controlled beams of laser light. So far, however, this technique has always come with strict limits on how much force it can exert.
what’s the practical use for something like this?
Could be useful for minimally invasive surgery since the gripper’s small size and ability to operate through channels narrower than 300 micrometers make it ideal for delicate surgical procedures. Single cell biology research would be another since the device can grasp, transport, and release individual human cancer cells without damaging them. Potentially could enable microscale assembly and manufacturing. The team demonstrated the ability to assemble miniature mechanical components like bearings and gearboxes with micrometer precision. Drug delivery and targeted therapy would be another interesting use.