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Programmable Modular Acoustic Microrobots
Subrahmanyam Cherukumilli1, Fatma Ceren Kirmizitas1,2, Max Sokolich1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA.
... International Conference on Manipulation Automation and Robotics at Small Scales (MARSS). International Conference on Manipulation Automation and Robotics at Small Scales
|July 2, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed reconfigurable microrobots that self-assemble into various shapes using magnetic fields. These biocompatible microrobots are actuated by acoustic fields for potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Robotics
Background:
- Microrobots offer untethered actuation for in vivo applications but often lack versatility.
- Self-assembly microstructures with reconfigurable capabilities are emerging as a solution for enhanced microrobotic functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the self-assembly of cylindrical microrobots into reconfigurable microstructures.
- To investigate the magnetic and acoustic actuation of these microstructures for biomedical tasks.
- To confirm the biocompatibility of the microrobots.
Main Methods:
- Cylindrical microrobots were assembled into modular microstructures using magnetic interactions.
- Motion actuation was achieved via external acoustic fields interacting with trapped air bubbles.
- External magnetic fields were used for steering the assembled structures.
- Biocompatibility was assessed by exposing Chinese Hamster Ovary cells to the microrobots.
Main Results:
- Successfully assembled microrobots into diverse shapes capable of swimming and being steered.
- Demonstrated on-demand reconfiguration of microstructures via external fields.
- Confirmed cell viability after 24-hour exposure to microrobots, indicating biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic self-assembly and acoustic actuation enable versatile, reconfigurable microrobotic systems.
- These biocompatible microrobots show significant potential for drug delivery, microsurgery, and organoid development.
- The modular approach overcomes limitations of single-actuation microrobots.
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