A nanoscale robotic cleaner

Photon-recoil-based actuation enables maneuvering of micro- and nanoscale objects without beam steering or tight focusing, mitigating system complexity and photodamage. Recent light-driven microdrones achieved full control in two dimensions using multiple laser fields; however, for many applications, sacrificing degrees of freedom allows substantial miniaturization and improved propulsion efficiency. Here, we demonstrate sub-micrometer nanorobots actuated by a plasmonic directional antenna that simultaneously provides propulsion force and orientation control. The nanorobots reach propulsion speeds up to 50 μm/s, with their motion direction intrinsically locked perpendicular to the linear polarization axis. Circularly polarized light pulses lift the resulting twofold orientational degeneracy through spin-momentum transfer. Using opto-thermophoretic forces, nanorobots efficiently capture, transport, reversibly assemble, and release bacteria. By sequencing linear and circular polarization states, they execute complex, high-precision trajectories to systematically sweep defined regions, functioning as light-driven robotic cleaners. This work expands the capabilities of nanorobots for biological manipulation and high-speed, localized sensing.