Recent Advances in Collective Behaviors of Micro/Nanomotor Swarms

S Siwen Sun (Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems) B Bingbing Sun (Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems) A Alexander B. Cook (Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems) T Tania Patiño Padial (Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems) J Jan C. M. van Hest (Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Collective motion, exemplified by swarming insects, flocking birds, and bacterial colonies, emerges from the synchronized actions and velocity adjustments of individual units. Inspired by these natural phenomena, researchers have sought to replicate and harness collective behavior in swarms of self‐propelled micro/nanomotors. This endeavor is of great importance for the development of multicomponent adaptive systems. Comprising numerous interacting elements, collective swarms exhibit emergent behaviors that capitalize on multi‐motor cooperation, enabling highly efficient, flexible, and robust group performance. Understanding and engineering these behaviors are essential for translating them into practical applications. This review examines the driving forces underlying collective motion, outlines various modes of swarm formation across different dimensions, and highlights representative applications. By linking driving forces, system dimensionality, and functional implementation, it provides a comprehensive perspective on this field.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 9
Published February 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (5)

S

Siwen Sun

Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

B

Bingbing Sun

Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

A

Alexander B. Cook

Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

T

Tania Patiño Padial

Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

J

Jan C. M. van Hest

Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems