Microrobotics for Micromanipulation

Foreword xvii

Introduction xxi

Chapter 1. The Physics of the Microworld 1
Michael GAUTHIER, Pierre LAMBERT and Stephane REGNIER

1.1. Introduction 1

1.2.Details of the microworld 4

1.3.Surface forces 8

1.4.Contact forces 40

1.5. Experimental analysis of forces for micromanipulation 48

1.6.Forces in liquidmedia 60

1.7. Friction and roughness 78

1.8.Relevant parameters and indicators 85

1.9.Exercises 88

1.10.List of symbols 95

Chapter 2. Actuators for Microrobotics 99
Nicolas CHAILLET, Moustapha HAFEZ and Pierre LAMBERT

2.1. Introduction 99

2.2.Principles of motion and guiding 100

2.3.Classification of actuators 111

2.4.Piezoelectric actuators 113

2.5.Electrostatic actuators 126

2.6.Thermal actuators 141

2.7.Electro-activepolymers 160

2.8.Magneto-/electrorheologicalfluids 165

2.9.Summary 170

2.10.Suppliers of active materials 170

2.11.Exercises 173

Chapter 3. Microhandling and Micromanipulation Strategies 179
Michael GAUTHIER, Pierre LAMBERT and Stephane REGNIER

3.1. Introduction 179

3.2. Contact-free micromanipulation and positioning 180

3.3. Contact-based micromanipulation and positioning 197

3.4.Release strategies 220

3.5.Summary 230

3.6.Conclusion 234

3.7.Exercises 234

Chapter 4. Architecture of a Micromanipulation Station 243
Joel AGNUS, Mehdi BOUKALLEL, Cedric CLEVY, Sounkalo DEMBELE and Stephane REGNIER

4.1. Introduction 243

4.2.Kimenatics 244

4.3.Visual perception 261

4.4.Force sensing 283

4.5. Introduction to sensor-based linear multivariable control 294

4.6. Application to automation and remote operation for micromanipulation tasks 300

4.7.Environmental control 318

4.8.Applications 324

4.9.Conclusion 334

4.10.Exercises 334

Chapter 5. Microtechnologies and Micromanipulation 335
Lionel BUCHAILLOT

5.1. Silicon surface machining processes 335

5.2.Early demonstrators 343

5.3. Standard processes and fabrication examples