Magneto-Elastic Characterization for Multi-Material Micro-Robotics

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We have an opportunity to remain as leaders in the fast-growing field of Medical Microrobotics, but only if we are able to move beyond our current sub-optimal materials and structures used in centimeter-scale grasping, cutting and sampling robotic mechanisms. My group has pioneered a novel approach to use magnetic fields to wirelessly drive tiny robots in the body. These microrobots consist of centimeter-scale grasping, cutting and sampling robotic mechanisms, driven by embedded magnets connected by flexible hinges. Design of these microrobotic mechanisms cannot be done by intuition, and thus must be guided by understanding of the magnetic and elastic properties of the mechanism components. Our custom design and fabrication methods have been able to show promise in surgery, gastrointestinal sampling and other applications, but the strength, dexterity, reliability and precision fall short of their potential because we currently do not have the characterization tools needed to understand our materials and designs. The requested tensile tester and magnetometer setup will allow us to develop a full understanding of our unique microrobot performance, and what will be required to meet the demanding requirements of these microrobots for real applications in the human body.