Researchers from the University of California San Diego and CEA-Leti have unveiled a pioneering microactuator driving system that integrates energy storage with voltage conversion, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in small electromechanical devices. This advancement, presented at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference 2025, promises to significantly enhance the performance of microdrones and medical implants.
The core innovation lies in the system’s ability to deliver high-voltage outputs without relying on traditional bulky components. By segmenting a solid-state battery into smaller units and dynamically configuring them, the system achieves the necessary high voltages in a compact and lightweight form factor. This design is particularly advantageous for applications where space and weight are critical constraints.
Gaël Pillonnet, scientific director of CEA-Leti’s Silicon Component Division and a lead author of the study, highlighted the significance of this development: “The design uniquely integrates energy storage and voltage conversion, setting a new standard in efficiency and autonomy for small electromechanical actuators.” Patrick Mercier, professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC San Diego, emphasized the practicality of the approach: “Microdrones and microrobotic systems already require a battery, and so it costs us next to nothing to use a solid-state battery, split it up into smaller pieces, and dynamically rearrange the small pieces to generate the voltages we need.”
Traditional methods of generating high voltages for microactuators often involve components like capacitors and inductors, which add weight and occupy valuable space. The innovative approach adopted by the UC San Diego and CEA-Leti team circumvents these limitations, offering a streamlined solution that maintains high energy density even when miniaturized. This is achieved by utilizing a matrix of small solid-state battery units that can be dynamically reconfigured to produce the desired voltage levels.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. In the realm of microrobotics, particularly microdrones, reducing weight while maintaining performance is paramount. The new system not only lightens the power source but also enhances the device’s operational efficiency. Similarly, in medical applications, where implantable devices require reliable and compact power sources, this innovation could lead to more effective and less invasive solutions.
The research team has validated the concept using early commercial solid-state batteries, demonstrating voltage generation capabilities of up to 56.1 volts at operational frequencies suitable for microactuation systems. Projections based on these findings suggest that with advanced solid-state batteries, the system’s weight could be reduced to as little as 14 milligrams without compromising efficiency. This positions the technology as a key enabler for the next generation of autonomous robots and embedded medical devices.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to test the driving system in actual microrobotic platforms to further assess its performance in real-world scenarios. Additionally, efforts are underway to optimize the solid-state batteries and explore the potential for achieving even higher voltage outputs. This ongoing work aims to refine the technology, making it more adaptable and scalable for various applications.