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Controlling multiple microrobots: recent progress and future challenges

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of NSF grants IIS-1358446 and IIS-1433967 for this work. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions of the sponsors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Sagar Chowdhury, Wuming Jing & David J. Cappelleri

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  1. Sagar Chowdhury
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  2. Wuming Jing
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  3. David J. Cappelleri
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Correspondence to David J. Cappelleri.

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Chowdhury, S., Jing, W. & Cappelleri, D.J. Controlling multiple microrobots: recent progress and future challenges. J Micro-Bio Robot 10, 1–11 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12213-015-0083-6

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