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Fish-like magnetic microrobots for microparts transporting at liquid surfaces
Lefeng Wang1,2, Min Zhao2, Yuanzhe He2
1Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Complex Intelligent System and Integration, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, China. lefengwang@hit.edu.cn.
Soft Matter
|March 6, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel fish-inspired magnetic microrobot capable of wireless actuation for micropart transport on liquid surfaces. The microrobot achieves efficient propulsion and controlled movement using magnetic fields and capillary forces.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Micro-robotics
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Magnetic microrobots offer wireless actuation for tasks in confined spaces.
- Existing fish-like robots often rely on complex fin structures for propulsion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel magnetic microrobot inspired by fish for effective micropart transport on liquid surfaces.
- To investigate the propulsion mechanism and motion characteristics of the microrobot.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a monolithic sheet-like microrobot from magnetic particle-doped polydimethylsiloxane.
- Utilizing oscillating magnetic fields to induce movement via liquid level differences.
- Employing theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental characterization.
- Modulating capillary forces for micropart capture and delivery.
Main Results:
- The microrobot exhibits directional movement (head-forward or tail-forward) based on the magnetic field's vertical component.
- A maximum transport speed of 1.2 mm/s was achieved for microballs.
- Transporting speed increased significantly when carrying microparts due to enhanced driving forces from liquid surface asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- The proposed streamlined, sheet-like magnetic microrobot effectively transports microparts on liquid surfaces.
- The propulsion mechanism relies on differential liquid levels and capillary forces, modulated by magnetic fields.
- This technology holds promise for applications in micromanipulation and micro-assembly.
