William Parkes

University of Edinburgh, National Microelectronics Institute

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About

William Parkes is a pioneering researcher in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and micro-robotics, with a particular focus on bio-inspired surface tension propulsion. His most significant contribution is the development of the first wirelessly driven MEMS pond skater, a silicon-based micro-robot that mimics the water strider’s ability to float and move on liquid surfaces using surface tension. Parkes’s key innovation lies in integrating electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology for propulsion, enabling precise, low-power movement without mechanical actuators. His landmark 2009 paper, "Demonstration of a wireless driven MEMS pond skater that uses EWOD technology" (23 citations), showcases a 6×9 mm, 380 μm-thick device that achieves controlled locomotion through localized surface tension modulation. This work, building on his earlier 2008 proof-of-concept (2 citations), represents a breakthrough in micro-robotics, offering a scalable approach for autonomous aquatic micro-vehicles. Parkes’s research bridges fundamental physics of wetting phenomena with practical MEMS design, opening avenues for environmental monitoring, lab-on-a-chip systems, and biomedical applications. His contributions have inspired further exploration into surface tension-driven micro-locomotion, establishing him as a key figure in the emerging field of EWOD-based micro-robotics.