Using large numbers of micro robots to build unique macrostructures has long been a vision in both popular and scientific media. This paper describes a new class of machines, DiaMagnetic Micro Manipulator (DM3) systems, for controlling many small robots. The robots are diamagnetically levitated with zero wear and zero hysteresis and are driven using conventional circuits. System test results have reported unusual motion properties, including exceptional open loop repeatability of motion (200 nm rms) and relative speeds (37.5 cm/s or 217 body lengths/s) [1]. A system using 130 micro robots as small as 1.7 mm with densities up to 12.5 robots/cm2has been demonstrated. This paper reports initial data on robot trajectories, and shows that open loop trajectory repeatabilities on the order of 0.8 µm rms or better are feasible in a levitated state compared with 15 µm rms repeatability in a non-levitated state with surface contact. These results suggest an encouraging path to complex micro-robotic systems with broad capabilities.

This paper describes a novel clamping technology called compliant electroadhesion, as well as the first application of this technology to wall climbing robots. As the name implies, electroadhesion is an electrically controllable adhesion technology. It involves inducing electrostatic charges on a wall substrate using a power supply connected to compliant pads situated on the moving robot. High clamping forces (0.2-1.4 Newton supported by 1 square centimeter of clamp area, depending on substrate) have been demonstrated on a wide variety of common building substrates, both rough and smooth as well as both electrically conductive and insulating. Unlike conventional adhesives or dry adhesives, the electroadhesion can be modulated or turned off for mobility or cleaning. The technology uses a very small amount of power (on the order of 20 microwatts/Newton weight held) and shows the ability to repeatably clamp to wall substrates that are heavily covered in dust or other debris. Using this technology, SRI International has demonstrated a variety of wall climbing robots including tracked and legged robots.

Many new robotic and teleoperated applications require a high degree of mobility or dexterity that is difficult to achieve with current actuator technology. Natural muscle is an actuator that has many features, including high energy density, fast speed of response, and large stroke, that are desirable for such applications. The electrostriction of polymer dielectrics with compliant electrodes can be used in electrically controllable, muscle-like actuators. These electrostrictive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM) actuators can produce strains of up to 30% and pressures of up to 1.9 MPa. The measured specific energy achieved with polyurethane and silicone polymers exceeds that of electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, and magnetostrictive actuators. A simple model using linear elastic theory can predict EPAM actuator performance from mechanical and electrical material properties and load conditions. A spherical joint for a highly articulated (snake-like) manipulator using EPAM actuator elements has been demonstrated. A rotary motor using EPAM actuator elements has been shown to produce a specific torque of 19 mNm/g and a specific power of 0.1 W/g. An improved EPAM motor could produce greater specific power and specific torque than could electric motors.