Microrobots May Be Used For Future Manufacturing

 Microrobots  

Tiny microrobots that work in groups like ants could lead to a new way to manufacture complex structures and electronics in the near future.

While 3D printing is widely touted as the future of manufacturing, researchers at SRI International are working on levitated microrobotic systems that may continue traditional fabrication and assembly methods at a much smaller scale.

We first covered the levitated microrobots in 2012, but in the meantime development has continued.

The new technology will enable control of thousands of microrobots for smart manufacturing of macro-scale products in compact, integrated systems.

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SRI International has developed the next generation of tiny robots that can work as a coordinated swarm of miniature builders. The patented Diamagnetic Micro Manipulation (DM3) technology uses printed circuit boards (PCBs) to drive and control micro-robots built from simple, low-cost magnets that are propelled electromagnetically.

The research hotbed says the robots can construct lightweight, high-strength structures; handle tiny electrical components; carry out chemistry on a chip; and perform many other manufacturing tasks. Eventually, they expect that the machines, the smallest of which are no thicker than a dime, will even be able to build smaller versions of themselves.

SRI has already demonstrated the ability to make more than 1,000 of the robots work together at once.

SRI is applying its micro-factory technology to the DARPA Open Manufacturing program, which is spurring innovation in a wide range of manufacturing areas. SRI’s micro-robots will be used to build smart structures with high-performance mechanics. The team's vision is to enable an assembly head containing thousands of micro-robots to manufacture high-quality macro-scale products while providing millimeter-scale structural control.

For example, some microrobots in the swarm will carry components (electronic as well as mechanical, such as truss elements), some microrobots will deposit liquids, and others will conduct quality inspections.

Mounted to a mobile robotic base, a micro-factory will be able to build parts of practically any size.

The DM3 technology is also available as a research platform for universities and other researchers to explore new applications for microrobots where micro automation and reliable handling of heterogeneous composite materials with micro-scale manipulation is critical. Potential applications include:

• -Pick-and-place manufacturing solutions

• -Rapid prototyping of high-quality parts

• -Electronics manufacturing, such as optoelectronics and hybrid circuits

• -Military and space, for building non-silicon-based electronics

• -Biotechnology, such as microfluidics, lab on a chip, and tissue manufacturing

• -A variety of micro-automation applications outside of manufacturing, such as compact diagnostic and inspection equipment and surface maintenance and anti-fouling devices

The magnetic robots are controlled remotely by a central computer, rather than autonomous, directed along a printed circuit board by a current. The smallest version SRI has built so far is about one millimeter per side.

To build the next generation of microrobots, SRI believes they’ll eventually be able to get the robots themselves to assemble their tinier counterparts. Yes, machines making machines.




SOURCE  SRI

By 33rd Square

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