MicroRoboScope: A Portable and Integrated Mechatronic Platform for Magnetic and Acoustic Microrobotic Experimentation

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Automation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Microtechnology

Background:

• Microrobotic experimentation requires specialized, often expensive, equipment.
• Real-time, closed-loop control of microrobots is crucial for advanced applications.
• Integrating multiple actuation methods (magnetic, acoustic) presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present MicroRoboScope, an integrated, portable, and cost-effective platform for microrobotic experimentation.
• To enable real-time, closed-loop control of both magnetic and acoustic microrobots.
• To lower the barrier to entry for microrobotic research and education.

Main Methods:

• Development of a compact, integrated apparatus combining an embedded computer, microscope, and control circuitry.
• Custom software using Python and Arduino C++ for live video acquisition, microrobot tracking, and signal generation.
• Implementation of multi-modal actuation using electromagnetic coils and acoustic transducers.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of hardware and software for seamless microrobot control.
• Demonstration of real-time, closed-loop control for both magnetic and acoustic microrobots.
• Creation of a low-cost, portable, and versatile experimental platform.

Conclusions:

• MicroRoboScope significantly enhances accessibility to microrobotic experimentation.
• The platform supports diverse applications in research, education, and translational medicine.
• This system fosters innovation in microrobotics, tissue engineering, and biomedical fields.