Microrobots for delicate assignments in the microcosmos
The innovative mobile microrobots are powered by piezo-actuators and can easily move with three degrees of freedom with the aid of suitable locomotion modules. The microrobots feature high resolution of the order of a few nanometres, increased compactness and simplicity. Moreover, they are able to work under vacuum conditions, which makes them ideal for further use in a scanning electron microscope. Built from a few mechanical parts they can be produced at very low cost and may be easily adapted to suit different needs. More specifically, they can be equipped with a various set of tool modules including micro-grippers, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes and micro-syringes depending on the application they are aimed for. The miniature robots can find a broad range of applications such as the micro-assembly of micro parts involving alignment of optical components and fabrication of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Sensors (MEMS). In microscopy, they may be employed in light, scanning probe and electron beam microscopes. Life sciences constitute another possible key application field involving micro-manipulation, positioning of micro-biosensors and potential in-vitro fertilisation. Furthermore, the micro-robots are highly suitable for instrumentation used in nanotribology, material testing, integrated circuit probes and nano-handling. The autonomous mobile micro-robots are offered for direct technology transfer through consulting to companies that are interested in integrating these in their manipulation systems. For further information click at the project site: http://wwwipr.ira.uka.de/~micron/(opens in new window)
