Autonomous Robotic Ultrathin Laser-Scribed Microheater for Effective Insect Control

Insects such as ants and termites have always been a common household hazard, closely correlated to various health risks causing allergies or infections. Present-day chemical insecticides pose carcinogenic threats to human health and the environment, according to the World Health Organisation. Herein, a novel autonomous robotic ultrathin laser-scribed microheater is presented as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for insect control. A microheater is fabricated using an array of laser-scribed micro-wires and an autonomous robotic module, allowing for rapid and uniform heat transfer in less than 3 s. The integrated robotic microheater successfully (100%) eradicates household ants at 60 degrees C within 30 s. Such results significantly advance insect control, reducing treatment time from hours to seconds while attenuating chemical insecticides' critical safety and health risks. Ultimately, this innovative approach demonstrates the promise of autonomous robotic microheaters for broader agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing applications, where insect control is crucial. A novel laser-assisted micro-heating autonomous robot is developed to deliver a safe and effective pest control strategy. The robot has laser-scribed micropores and a microwire array, promoting a rapid and uniform heat distribution. The results show that it successfully exterminated 100% of Tapinoma melanocephalum in 30 s, advancing pest control technologies and reducing reliance on dangerous chemicals.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH