Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "E:Engineering and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 12111

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
Interests: micro/nano manipulation; micro/nano positioning; flexible electronics; micro transfer printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Robotics Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: miniature intelligent robotic system, bioinspired miniature robotics, micro/nano robotic manipulation system, and human-robot interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, nanotechnology is developing rapidly, and its related technologies are receiving increasing attention. Advanced micro-/nano-manipulation and positioning techniques are crucial methodologies of nanotechnology, enabling the precise control and positioning of micro- and nano-sized objects; hence, they have significant applications in various fields, including nanofabrication, biomedicine, electronics, and materials science. However, there are still some pressing issues that need to be addressed, such as how to improve the precision and stability of micro-manipulations, how to resolve the contradiction between the precision and range of micro-/nano-positioning, and so on. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on micro-/nano-manipulation and positioning techniques to overcome the aforementioned challenges and enhance micro-/nano-manufacturing capabilities.

Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, communications, and review articles that focus on novel methodological developments in micro-/nano-manipulation and positioning techniques including theory and methods, devices and systems, operational strategies and techniques, control and perception, and so on.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and sharing the latest advancements in micro-/nano-manipulation and positioning techniques with the scientific community.

Dr. Cunman Liang
Dr. Yajing Shen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • micro-/nano-manipulation
  • micro-/nano-positioning
  • precision engineering
  • precision control

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 21562 KiB  
Article
Compliance and Kinetostatics of a Novel 2PRS-2PSS Compliant Parallel Micromanipulator: Modeling and Analysis
by Jun Ren and Hui Jiang
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040526 - 14 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1208
Abstract
A novel 2PRS-2PSS (P represents the prismatic pair, R represents the revolute hinge, S represents the spherical hinge) compliant parallel micromanipulator with two translational DOFs and two rotational DOFs is presented, and its compliance model and kinetostatic model are sequentially developed and analyzed. [...] Read more.
A novel 2PRS-2PSS (P represents the prismatic pair, R represents the revolute hinge, S represents the spherical hinge) compliant parallel micromanipulator with two translational DOFs and two rotational DOFs is presented, and its compliance model and kinetostatic model are sequentially developed and analyzed. Initially, an analytical model used to describe the compliance of this micromanipulator was developed using the compliance matrix method (CMM). Through a comparison with finite element analysis, the accuracy of this analytical model is confirmed, and the influence of various dimensional and structural parameters on the compliance behavior is investigated. Subsequently, the micromanipulator is treated as an equivalent spring system, allowing for the derivation of its governing equation based on the established compliance model. From this equation, a kinetostatic model relating input forces to output displacements is derived. Validation of this model is performed by comparing analytical results with finite element simulations under specific motion trajectories, revealing a maximum relative error of 6.18%. This close agreement verifies the accuracy of the kinetostatic model. Finally, the impact of the parameters of the flexure hinge on the mapping matrix is examined to offer insights into minimizing undesired displacements, providing valuable guidance for optimizing the micromanipulator’s performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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10 pages, 2580 KiB  
Article
Controlling the Collective Behaviors of Ultrasound-Driven Nanomotors via Frequency Regulation
by Zhihong Zhao, Jie Chen, Gaocheng Zhan, Shuhao Gu, Jiawei Cong, Min Liu and Yiman Liu
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020262 - 10 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1310
Abstract
Controlling the collective behavior of micro/nanomotors with ultrasound may enable new functionality in robotics, medicine, and other engineering disciplines. Currently, various collective behaviors of nanomotors, such as assembly, reconfiguration, and disassembly, have been explored by using acoustic fields with a fixed frequency, while [...] Read more.
Controlling the collective behavior of micro/nanomotors with ultrasound may enable new functionality in robotics, medicine, and other engineering disciplines. Currently, various collective behaviors of nanomotors, such as assembly, reconfiguration, and disassembly, have been explored by using acoustic fields with a fixed frequency, while regulating their collective behaviors by varying the ultrasound frequency still remains challenging. In this work, we designed an ultrasound manipulation methodology that allows nanomotors to exhibit different collective behaviors by regulating the applied ultrasound frequency. The experimental results and FEM simulations demonstrate that the secondary ultrasonic waves produced from the edge of the sample cell lead to the formation of complex acoustic pressure fields and microfluidic patterns, which causes these collective behaviors. This work has important implications for the design of artificial actuated nanomotors and optimize their performances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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Review

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23 pages, 6104 KiB  
Review
The Latest Research Progress on Bionic Artificial Hands: A Systematic Review
by Kai Guo, Jingxin Lu, Yuwen Wu, Xuhui Hu and Hongbo Yang
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070891 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 3358
Abstract
Bionic prosthetic hands hold the potential to replicate the functionality of human hands. The use of bionic limbs can assist amputees in performing everyday activities. This article systematically reviews the research progress on bionic prostheses, with a focus on control mechanisms, sensory feedback [...] Read more.
Bionic prosthetic hands hold the potential to replicate the functionality of human hands. The use of bionic limbs can assist amputees in performing everyday activities. This article systematically reviews the research progress on bionic prostheses, with a focus on control mechanisms, sensory feedback integration, and mechanical design innovations. It emphasizes the use of bioelectrical signals, such as electromyography (EMG), for prosthetic control and discusses the application of machine learning algorithms to enhance the accuracy of gesture recognition. Additionally, the paper explores advancements in sensory feedback technologies, including tactile, visual, and auditory modalities, which enhance user interaction by providing essential environmental feedback. The mechanical design of prosthetic hands is also examined, with particular attention to achieving a balance between dexterity, weight, and durability. Our contribution consists of compiling current research trends and identifying key areas for future development, including the enhancement of control system integration and improving the aesthetic and functional resemblance of prostheses to natural limbs. This work aims to inform and inspire ongoing research that seeks to refine the utility and accessibility of prosthetic hands for amputees, emphasizing user-centric innovations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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17 pages, 1566 KiB  
Review
Micro-Scale Particle Tracking: From Conventional to Data-Driven Methods
by Haoyu Wang, Liu Hong and Leonardo P. Chamorro
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050629 - 8 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3049
Abstract
Micro-scale positioning techniques have become essential in numerous engineering systems. In the field of fluid mechanics, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) stands out as a key method for tracking individual particles and reconstructing flow fields. Here, we present an overview of the micro-scale particle [...] Read more.
Micro-scale positioning techniques have become essential in numerous engineering systems. In the field of fluid mechanics, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) stands out as a key method for tracking individual particles and reconstructing flow fields. Here, we present an overview of the micro-scale particle tracking methodologies that are predominantly employed for particle detection and flow field reconstruction. It covers various methods, including conventional and data-driven techniques. The advanced techniques, which combine developments in microscopy, photography, image processing, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, are making significant strides and will greatly benefit a wide range of scientific and engineering fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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27 pages, 3951 KiB  
Review
A Survey of Recent Developments in Magnetic Microrobots for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation
by Ruomeng Xu and Qingsong Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040468 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2540
Abstract
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview [...] Read more.
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in magnetic microrobots, focusing on materials, propulsion mechanisms, design strategies, fabrication techniques, and diverse micro-/nano-manipulation applications. The exploration of magnetic materials, biosafety considerations, and propulsion methods serves as a foundation for the diverse designs discussed in this review. The paper delves into the design categories, encompassing helical, surface, ciliary, scaffold, and biohybrid microrobots, with each demonstrating unique capabilities. Furthermore, various fabrication techniques, including direct laser writing, glancing angle deposition, biotemplating synthesis, template-assisted electrochemical deposition, and magnetic self-assembly, are examined owing to their contributions to the realization of magnetic microrobots. The potential impact of magnetic microrobots across multidisciplinary domains is presented through various application areas, such as drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, cell manipulation, and environmental remediation. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of the current challenges, hurdles to overcome, and future directions in magnetic microrobot research across different fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)
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