Title: A novel hybrid wireless microrobot

Authors: Qinxue Pan, Shuxiang Guo, Takuya Okada

Addresses: Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China; Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20, Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu, 761-0396, Japan. ' Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20, Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu, 761-0396, Japan; Harbin Engineering University, 145 Nantong Street, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China. ' Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems Engineering, Kagawa University, 2217-20, Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu, 761-0396, Japan

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a hybrid microrobot concept to increase dynamic efficiency and adapt these systems for use in various working environments. The microrobot consists of a head capable of spiral motion, legs capable of paddling motion, and fish-like fins. We developed a prototype with a rotatable head and a body that has legs and fins. Additionally, we developed a control system and carried out experiments to evaluate its characteristics. The experimental results indicated that the head of the microrobot with spiral motion can achieve a movement speed of 58 mm/s and rotation speed of 87 rad/s, respectively, and the prototype of the leg has a maximum displacement of 3.7 cm. The experimental results also demonstrated a number of advantages of the microrobot, such as rapid response, movement stability, and wireless operability. This type of hybrid microrobot may be useful in both industrial and medical applications, such as microsurgery.

Keywords: micromechanisms; hybrid microrobots; spiral motion; rotating motion; wireless microrobots; robot motion; robot control; rapid response; movement stability; wireless operability; microsurgery; robot design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMA.2011.039156

International Journal of Mechatronics and Automation, 2011 Vol.1 No.1, pp.60 - 69

Published online: 26 Mar 2015 *

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