The low Reynolds number condition presents a fundamental constraint on designing\nlocomotive mechanisms for microscale robots. We report on the use of an oscillating magnetic field to\ninduce on-surface translational motion of particle based microrobots. The particle based microrobots\nconsist of microparticles, connected in a chain-like manner using magnetic self-assembly, where\nthe non-rigid connections between the particles provide structural flexibility for the microrobots.\nFollowing the scallop theorem, the oscillation of flexible bodies can lead to locomotion at low\nReynolds numbers, similar to the beating motion of sperm flagella. We characterized the velocity\nprofiles of the microrobots by measuring their velocities at various oscillating frequencies. We also\ndemonstrated the directional steering capabilities of the microrobots. This work will provide insights\ninto the use of oscillation as a viable mode of locomotion for particle based microrobots near a surface.
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