Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: The low Reynolds number condition presents a fundamental constraint on designing locomotive mechanisms for microscale robots. We report on the use of an oscillating magnetic field to induce on-surface translational motion of particle based microrobots. The particle based microrobots consist of microparticles, connected in a chain-like manner using magnetic self-assembly, where the non-rigid connections between the particles provide structural flexibility for the microrobots. Following the scallop theorem, the oscillation of flexible bodies can lead to locomotion at low Reynolds numbers, similar to the beating motion of sperm flagella. We characterized the velocity profiles of the microrobots by measuring their velocities at various oscillating frequencies. We also demonstrated the directional steering capabilities of the microrobots. This work will provide insights into the use of oscillation as a viable mode of locomotion for particle based microrobots near a surface.
Source: Micromachines
DOI: 10.3390/mi8020046
Authors: U Cheang, Jamel Ali, Hoyeon Kim, Louis Rogowski, Min Kim
Institutions: Drexel University, Southern Methodist University
Language: English
Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
Awards: RI: Small: Collaborative Research: Micro-Assembly Exploiting SofT RObotics (MAESTRO), 3D Motion and Swarm Control of Magnetically Propelled Microrobots for in vivo Particulate Drug Delivery, Collaborative Research: Motion Control of Bacteria-Powered Microrobots, G7126988522, G7665909873, G889308015
OpenAlex ID: W2587042164