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Integrated Assembly and Flexible Movement of Microparts Using Multifunctional Bubble Microrobots
Liguo Dai1,2,3, Daojing Lin1,2,3, Xiaodong Wang1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 10, 2020
Summary
Surface bubbles act as microrobots for precise microscale assembly, creating tightly integrated microparts. This novel approach enables the formation of complex structures and controlled movement, advancing micro-assembly capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Micro-robotics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Traditional microscale assembly often results in loosely connected components.
- Existing technologies struggle to form integrated micro-entities resistant to dispersion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microrobotic system using surface bubbles for precise microassembly.
- To demonstrate the capability of bubble microrobots in manipulating and integrating microparts into stable structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing surface bubbles as mobile microrobots on a chip.
- Employing specialized bubble robots for lifting, dropping, and precise positioning of microparts.
- Demonstrating assembly of microparts with dovetail joints and other complex structures.
Main Results:
- Bubble microrobots successfully manipulated microparts for integrated assembly.
- Assembled microparts formed a stable entity, capable of moving without separation.
- Demonstrated assembly of various structures including gears, chains, and vehicles.
- Showcased driven movement of assembled microstructures using bubble microrobots.
Conclusions:
- Surface bubble-based microrobots offer a simple and efficient method for microassembly.
- This technology has significant potential for micro-operation, modular assembly, and tissue engineering applications.
