Controlling multiple microrobots: recent progress and future challenges

Robots the size of several microns have numerous application in medicine, biology, and manufacturing. However, simultaneous control of multiple robots at this scale is difficult since the robot itself is too small to carry power, sensors, communication, and control on-board. In this paper, we have s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of micro-bio robotics Vol. 10; no. 1-4; pp. 1 - 11
Main Authors Chowdhury, Sagar, Jing, Wuming, Cappelleri, David J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.10.2015
Subjects
Electronics and Microelectronics
Engineering
Instrumentation
Machines
Manufacturing
Nanotechnology
Processes
Research Paper
Robotics and Automation
Microrobot
Multiple microrobots
Control
Microrobot swarms
Microrobot teams
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Summary:Robots the size of several microns have numerous application in medicine, biology, and manufacturing. However, simultaneous control of multiple robots at this scale is difficult since the robot itself is too small to carry power, sensors, communication, and control on-board. In this paper, we have summarized different approaches, ranging from specialized robot design and fabrication to specialized ways of actuating robots, with the aim of independent control of a team/swarm of microrobots. We have also discussed the challenges for each approach. In the light of the challenges, we have proposed some directions where the future researchers can focus in order to solve the problem of independent control of a team of microrobots.
ISSN:2194-6418
2194-6426
DOI:10.1007/s12213-015-0083-6