Abstract:
The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlled motion of a tool. In one embodiment, the device can support a tool needed to perform an activity requiring a highly-precise, stable motion, while also accommodating a person's hand for the purposes of moving the tool. In another embodiment, the device of the present invention allows for rotational motion of a tool independently of the directive motion of the tool. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the design of a force transducer useful in a cooperative robot. The device and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for microsurgery or other tasks that are typically performed using cooperative robotics.
Abstract:
Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for fabrication of moving, actuatable structures at micron scales that can be electronically controlled using low power and low voltages. Also disclosed are microscale robots having such microscale actuator structures to actuate the robots’ movements as well as devices, systems, and methods for fabrication of microscale robots. The disclosed methods of fabrication are compatible with standard semiconductor technologies.
Abstract:
A microrobot and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The microrobot includes a first block, a second block, and a third block connected with each other. The first block is disposed between the second block and the third block. The first block includes polydimethylsiloxane. The second block and the third block include a mixture, and the mixture includes polydimethylsiloxane and neodymium magnet particles. The manufacturing method of the microrobot includes the steps of providing a first acrylic mold with an accommodating space and a second acrylic mold with a U-shaped groove; injecting polydimethylsiloxane into the accommodating space; placing the second acrylic mold in the accommodating space; taking out the second acrylic mold and injecting the mixture into the accommodating space to obtain a microrobot. Placing the microrobot on an electromagnet platform can achieve an object of mixing and dissolving an embolism in a flow channel.
Abstract:
A repulsive-force electrostatic actuator includes a first actuator layer including a first substrate, a first electrode pattern, and a second electrode pattern. The actuator includes a second actuator layer spaced apart from the first actuator layer that includes a second substrate, a third electrode pattern, and a fourth electrode pattern. The actuator includes a voltage source connected to the first, second, third, and fourth electrode patterns such that the first electrode pattern is at an opposite voltage relative to the second, the third electrode pattern is at an opposite voltage relative to the fourth, and the first and second actuator layers are arranged to have a repulsive electrostatic force therebetween. The actuator further includes an actuator frame connected to the first and second actuator layers such that at least a portion of at least one of the first and second actuator layers is movable due to an applied voltage to effect motion to an object.
Abstract:
A transfer apparatus and a transfer method are provided. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer substrate; and a plurality of gripping members arranged in an array and disposed on the transfer substrate. Each gripping member includes at least two gripping arms each of which has a first end disposed on the transfer substrate, and gripping legs connected with second ends of the gripping arms and configured to switch between a gripping position and a released position.
Abstract:
Structures and methods to actively control the shape of a micro pickup array (MPA) during micro device transfer are described. In an embodiment, a strain is applied to the MPA counteractive to strain arising during micro device transfer operations. For example, strain may be applied by a piezoelectric actuator element bonded to a back side of the base substrate to control a curvature of base substrate, and by extension the MPA.
Abstract:
A method of towing or pushing an object using a micro-robot is provided that includes attaching a micro-robot, using a first dry adhesive, to a surface, where the dry adhesive includes micro wedges, where the micro wedges are attached to the surface when the micro wedges are in a deformed state, applying a load to the attached micro-robot, advancing the micro-robot, using a lifting element, where the lifting element includes a uni-directional footing, where the lifting element is disposed to detach the first dry adhesive and advance the micro-robot across the surface while the uni-directional footing is attached to the surface, where the detached first dry adhesive includes micro wedges in an free-standing state, where the load is advanced across the surface.
Abstract:
A micro handling device for handling micro objects and measuring forces exerted on the micro objects. The micro handling device can include a micro gripper and a micro spring configured as a force sensor connected to the micro gripper.
Abstract:
A manipulation system includes: a manipulator that operates a microscopic object; a first input unit that generates a first movement command signal for moving the manipulator to a manipulator position corresponding to an input operation position; and a second input unit that generates a second movement command signal for moving the manipulator to a manipulator stored position stored in a storage. When the input operation position of the first input unit is a predetermined input operation position, the manipulator is enabled to be moved by an operation of the first input unit, or the manipulator is enabled to be moved by an operation of the second input unit.
Abstract:
A nanopositioning system for producing a coupling interaction between a first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle. A first MEMS positioning assembly includes an electrostatic comb drive actuator configured to selectively displace a first nanoparticle in a first dimension and an electrode configured to selectively displace the first nanoparticle in a second dimensions. Accordingly, the first nanoparticle may be selectively positioned in two dimensions to modulate the distance between the first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle that may be coupled to a second MEMS positioning assembly. Modulating the distance between the first and second nanoparticles obtains a coupling interaction between the nanoparticles that alters at least one material property of the nanoparticles applicable to a variety of sensing and control applications.