Final Report Summary - NET4M (Development of a collaborative network for micro -manufacturing, -assembly and -robotics)
The growing trend toward miniaturization has impacted technologies in virtually every field, from medical and biomedical (e.g.: pacemakers, analysis equipments, micro tools and miniaturized multi dof robotic devices for minimally invasive surgery, micro drug delivery systems, in vivo monitoring and therapy), automotive (sensors for safety in cars e.g. electrostatic field sensors for controlling airbags), aeronautics and aerospace (lightweight distributed sensors for micro crack detection), IT (ink jet printers, reading caps for hard disk but also micro-pumps for microprocessor cooling) and telecommunication (micro optical switches, etc..) to other fields such as household appliances, entertainment, sport equipment (noise canceller ear plugs, variable stiffness tennis racket, skis equipped with piezoelectric active dampers) and manufacturing. Consequently, a dramatic shift is also occurring within the manufacturing paradigm toward the development of complementary capabilities for producing miniaturized products. This has led to the creation of mesoscale machine tools (mMTs) and robots that are less expensive and more portable than conventional equipment.
The Net4M project wants to address these topics investigating a new generation of reconfigurable micro/meso scale robotic handling, positioning and fixturing devices. Different approaches and technologies, based on the expertise of the partners, have been examined.
Specific aspects that have been investigated within the project timeframe deal with: modelling and design; technologies for precision manufacturing at the meso and micro scale, such as micro Electro Discharge Machining, micro milling, and for micro and nano fabrication; techniques and algorithms for automatic handling and assembly of micro parts, and for actuation and sensing; methodologies and tools for the mechanical and dynamical charactrization of micro components and devices.
Moreover, the project has enhanced and complemented the proposers’ competencies in the micro-manufacturing field, establishing and consolidating an international network of Research Laboratories in the field of micro-manufacturing, with synergic and interdisciplinary skills.
Two joint workshops has been organized in the middle and at the end of the project, respectively in Portland, OR, USA and Milano, Italy to promote the results of the project disseminating the project achievements among the scientific community.
The Net4M project wants to address these topics investigating a new generation of reconfigurable micro/meso scale robotic handling, positioning and fixturing devices. Different approaches and technologies, based on the expertise of the partners, have been examined.
Specific aspects that have been investigated within the project timeframe deal with: modelling and design; technologies for precision manufacturing at the meso and micro scale, such as micro Electro Discharge Machining, micro milling, and for micro and nano fabrication; techniques and algorithms for automatic handling and assembly of micro parts, and for actuation and sensing; methodologies and tools for the mechanical and dynamical charactrization of micro components and devices.
Moreover, the project has enhanced and complemented the proposers’ competencies in the micro-manufacturing field, establishing and consolidating an international network of Research Laboratories in the field of micro-manufacturing, with synergic and interdisciplinary skills.
Two joint workshops has been organized in the middle and at the end of the project, respectively in Portland, OR, USA and Milano, Italy to promote the results of the project disseminating the project achievements among the scientific community.