Researchers develop first flying micro-robot
A U of Waterloo engineering research team has developed the world’s first flying micro-robot capable of manipulating objects for micro-scale applications.
By Design Engineering staff | April 13, 2009
A University of Waterloo engineering research team has developed the world’s first flying micro-robot capable of manipulating objects for micro-scale applications. The mini-’bot discovery provides researchers with more control over the micro-scale environment—with tiny objects at levels too small to be manipulated by humans—allowing them to move and place tiny objects with greater precision.
It has been demonstrated the system has a positioning accuracy of 13.2 µm in a volume of 3x3x2 cm3. Watch Video >
Professor Behrad Khamesee, director of the university’s Maglev (magnetically levitated) Microrobotics Laboratory, heads the team that built the prototype flying micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) robot. It defies the force of gravity by flying, or levitating, powered by a magnetic field. It moves around and dexterously manipulates objects with magnets attached to micro-grippers, remotely controlled by a laser-focusing beam.
It can be used for micromanipulation, a technique that enables precise positioning of micro objects. Applications of such manipulations include micro-assembly of mechanical components, handling of biological samples and microsurgery.
“We have developed a magnetically levitated micro-robot, which is a new technology for manipulation using flying micro-robots,” said Khamesee, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering skilled in developing micro-scale devices using magnetic levitation.
“We are the first in the world to make such a floating robot equipped with micro-grippers. It can enter virtually any space and can be operated in a sealed enclosure by a person outside, which makes it useful for handling biohazardous materials or working in vacuum chambers and clean rooms.” » Engineering details continued on next page
This project presents a magnetic levitation setup that consists of two units: the magnetic drive mechanism and the flying micro-robot (pictured). The drive controls the genetic field using continuous feedback from positioning sensors in order to position the ’bot. This is accomplished with an array of electromagnets, which create a 3D parabolic magnetic field; the robot sits on top of the parabola, supported by its own magnetic field and that created by the electromagnets. Khamesee’s group developed a focal point of a magnetic field in space, which the micro-robot hangs on; by changing the location of the focal point through current control the robot moves.
The robot itself is composed of permanent magnets attached to a micro-gripper, actuated using photo-thermal actuation in a non-contact manner. Heating the pincers with a laser opens them; when the laser is turned off, they cool and close.
Since the power is supplied externally, the robot does not carry a power source or a controller, which enhances its maneuverability.
It has been demonstrated the system has a positioning accuracy of 13.2 µm in a volume of 3x3x2 cm3. Micromanipulation of 100-µm-diameter objects has been shown.
Thanks to magnetic levitation, the micro-robot positions itself easily on complex surfaces—a key advantage compared to crawling or walking robots. As well, because it can fly, the robot avoids friction and adhesion forces. According to the researchers, it has high maneuverability because it works without such mechanical components as connection arms or wires. Dust-free motion and operability in closed environments are other key features.
Khamesee, along with graduate student Caglar Elbuken and colleague Mustafa Yavuz, has submitted a paper explaining the discovery to the Focused Section on Mechatronics for MEMS and NEMS (nano-electro-mechanical systems), published jointly by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
www.mme.uwaterloo.ca
mme.uwaterloo.ca/~khamesee/index.html
