| Since we are
interested in
developing all kinds of robots on a
millimeter-sized scale, we are currently investigating
methods to rapidly prototype such structures. In
this NSF
supported project, we research the
rapid prototyping of millirobots through the use of a kit of
parts.
This envisioned kit of parts
would contain
links, joints, sensors,
actuators, integrated wiring, power and control electronics, and
batteries from which a user could put together any number of designs of
fully functional autonomous millirobots. Because the assembly of millimeter-sized parts can be laborious by hand, another focus of this research is on developing a low cost assembly tool for automatic assembly of the parts. All of this work builds on previous work done by our lab in this area of desktop rapid prototyping millirobots. Clicking on the items in the table below gives more information about them, whether it be on their construction, example structures or code, or where they might be commerically available. |
 |
Structure
parts  |
Basic
Linkages |
 |
 |
Piezoelectric Bending
Actuators |
Batteries |
Power and Control
Electronics |
Control
software |
This research is sponsored by the NSF DMII Program.
``This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. DMI-0423153.
Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).''