MRI based nano- and microrobotics show good potential for new targeted therapies tackling e.g. cancer. In this paper, a system developed for the propulsion and navigation of small ferromagnetic objects only using clinical MRI systems is evaluated in experiments. The experiments include propulsion of an untethered ferromagnetic object against a pulsatile flow in a pipe system, navigation of an untethered object filled with ferromagnetic nanoparticles around obstacles in a free environment, and the choosing of a branch in a closed flow-less channel system when propelling an untethered ferromagnetic object. The system is found to deal with the tasks efficiently.

The propulsion of nano-ferromagnetic objects by means of MRI gradients is a promising approach to enable new forms of therapy. In this work, necessary techniques are presented to make this approach work. This includes path planning algorithms working on MRI data, ferromagnetic artifact imaging and a tracking algorithm which delivers position feedback for the microdevice and a propulsion sequence to enable interleaved magnetic propulsion and imaging. Using a dedicated software environment integrating path-planning methods and real-time tracking, a clinical MRI system is adapted to provide this new functionality for potential controlled interventional targeted therapeutic applications. Through MRI-based sensing analysis, this paper aims to propose a framework to plan a robust pathway to enhance the navigation ability to reach deep locations in human body. The proposed approaches are validated with different experiments.

In this paper, the concept and first results of a novel toolbox for nanoscale characterization are presented. A nanorobotic AFM system is being developed and integrated into a high resolution SEM/FIB system allowing nanoanalysis, -manipulation and -structuring. The compact and modular AFM setup enables probe- as well as sample-scanning and uses self-sensing AFM cantilevers. Image fusion algorithms are developed to merge SEM and AFM information for hybrid analysis of nanoscale objects. A commercial AFM controller is embedded into a special control system architecture that allows for automation of nanomanipulation sequences.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most promising materials for nanoelectronic applications. Before bringing CNTs into large-scale production, a reliable nanorobotic system for automated handling and characterization as well as prototyping of CNT-based components is essential. This paper presents the NanoLab setup, a nanorobotic system that combines specially developed key components such as electrothermal microgrippers and mobile microrobots inside a scanning electron microscope. The working principle and fabrication of mobile microrobots and electrothermal microgripper as well as their interaction and integration is described. Furthermore, the NanoLab is used to explore novel key strategies such as automated locating of CNTs for pick-and-place handling and methods for electrical characterization of CNTs. The results have been achieved within the framework of a European research project where the scientific knowledge will be transfered into an industrial system that will be commercially available for potential customers.