Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Asymmetry-induced chiral dynamics in coupled self-propelled robots: Spinning and circular motion

    Priyanka1,*, Nitin Kumar2,†, and Harsh Soni1,‡

    • *Contact author: d24052@students.iitmandi.ac.in
    • †Contact author: nkumar@iitb.ac.in
    • ‡Contact author: harsh@iitmandi.ac.in

    Phys. Rev. E 114, 035425 – Published 21 September, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/l96b-w6bn

    Abstract

    Motivated by the chiral motility of microswimmers, we investigate how geometric asymmetry in a system of two self-propelled active Brownian robots coupled by a spring gives rise to rich emergent dynamics. We demonstrate that asymmetry in the robots' propulsion directions generates net torques that induce persistent rotational motion. Depending on the choice of propulsion angles α1 and α2, the system exhibits three distinct dynamical regimes—run-and-tumble motion, circular trajectories, and spinning—with the geometric configuration primarily determining the realized regime. We further show that spring stiffness and rotational noise act as additional tuning parameters governing the stability of these regimes. These results show how the interplay of mechanical coupling and activity produces diverse self-organized dynamics in simple robotic dimers, providing a bridge between artificial active systems and biological microswimmers such as bacteria, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and spermatozoa.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation