A ground breaking new method of controlling nano- robots, that emulates natural swarm behaviour has been developed by scientists in Hong Kong. The first step in what is hoped could lead to a major medical advancement in the treatment of blood clots.

Led by Associate Professor Li Zhang, a team of scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong designed and implemented a strategy of using oscillating magnetic fields to create highly reconfigurable ribbon-like swarms of nano- robots. It is hoped surgeons could manipulate the nano- robots to pass through highly compact spaces within organs and blood vessels.