We demonstrate five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) wireless magnetic control of a fully untethered microrobot (3-DOF position and 2-DOF pointing orientation). The microrobot can move through a large workspace and is completely unrestrained in the rotation DOF. We accomplish this level of wireless control with an electromagnetic system that we call OctoMag. OctoMag's unique abilities are due to its utilization of complex nonuniform magnetic fields, which capitalizes on a linear representation of the coupled field contributions of multiple soft-magnetic-core electromagnets acting in concert. OctoMag was primarily designed to control intraocular microrobots for delicate retinal procedures, but it also has potential uses in other medical applications or micromanipulation under an optical microscope.
This paper presents a full 6 DOF microassembly system that features a novel remote center of motion configuration paired with advanced vision and illumination modules, as well as innovative user interaction concepts. Even though the semi-automatic design is primarily focused on the assembly of 3D bio-microrobotic devices out of individual 2.5D MEMS components, it can be configured for a large variety of assembly tasks. A gripper exchange mechanism allows reaching for parts with dimensions ranging from 5-800 m and a micro-fabricated platform featuring a special pattern provides a structured working area. The assembly of a miniature bio-microrobot is presented to demonstrate the dexterity and powerful features of this system. The underlying microassembly station combines multiple concepts for another step towards full manipulation automation in industrial and research applications.
Abstract-We demonstrate five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) wireless magnetic control of a fully untethered microrobot with a magnetic steering system we call OctoMag. Although only occupying a single hemisphere, this system is capable of isotropically applying forces on the order of 1-40 µN with unrestricted control of the 2 orienting DOF. These capabilities are enabled through the use of soft-magnetic-cores which provide an increase of approximately 20× that of air cores in magnetic-field strength, but comes at the cost of more complicated interactions between coils. We propose a modeling mechanism that assumes the field contributions of the individual currents superimpose linearly when using cores with large linear regions and negligible hysteresis. When designing the system, the locations and quantity of electromagnets were optimized with regards to the force generation in the worstcase direction predicted by the model. The resultant system is capable of both open and closed-loop operation over a workspace of 4 cm 3 . OctoMag was primarily designed for the control of intraocular microrobots for delicate retinal procedures, but also has potential uses in other medical applications or micromanipulation under an optical microscope.
The growing demand for advanced micro-devices that integrate various sensors and actuators, e.g. for biomedical applications, has created a strong need for assembly units that can meet high precision and manipulation requirements. However, developing a sophisticated machine that can fulfill these requirements solves only a part of the problem -having a skilled person that can program and operate the machine must also be addressed. The user interface should provide sufficient information to perform any assembly operation, however, it should also hide or abstract information that would distract the operator from the main task. Controlling the information flow from/to the user and to/from the machine is performed by representing the real environment in a virtual one. This additional layer of abstraction between the user and the machine is based on a standard virtual reality (VR) approach. This paper demonstrates the integration of such a VR system into an existing microassembly station.
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