A Human Microrobot Interface Based on Acoustic Manipulation

Abstract

Micro/nanorobotic systems capable of targeted transporting and releasing hold considerable promise for drug delivery, cellular surgery, biosensing, nano assembling, etc. However, on-demand precise control of the micro/nanorobot movement remains a major challenge. In particular, a practical interface to realize instant and customized interactions between human and micro/ nanorobots, which is quite essential for developing next generation intelligent micro/nanorobots, has seldom been explored. Here, we present a human−microrobot user interface to perform direct and agile recognition of user commands and signal conversion for driving the microrobot. The microrobot platform is built based on locally enhanced acoustic streaming which could precisely transport microparticles and cells along a given pathway, while the interface is enabled by tuning the actuation frequency and time with different instructions and inputs. Our numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations illustrate that microparticles can be readily transported along the path by the acoustic robotic system, due to the vibration-induced locally enhanced acoustic streaming and resultant propulsion force. The acoustic robotic platform allows large-scale parallel transportation for microparticles and cells along given paths. The human microrobot interface enables the micromanipulator to response promptly to the users' commands input by typing or music playing for accurate transport. For example, the music tone of a playing melody is used for manipulating a cancer cell to a targeted position. The interface offers several attractive capabilities, including tunable speed and orientation, quick response, considerable delivery capacities, high precision and favorable controllability. We expect that such interface will work as a compelling and versatile platform for myriad potential scenarios in transportation units of microrobots, single cell analysis instruments, lab-on-chip systems, microfactories, etc.

Medical Micro/Nanorobots in Precision Medicine

“…[352] Similar nonmanipulation of living cells has also been achieved using acoustic streaming. [353,354] Blood cell-based coating has also been described for the rapid isolation of pathogens and toxins. Ultrasound [355] and chemically [356] powered nanorobots coated with red blood cell membranes have been demonstrated as motile sponges for isolating toxin in biological environments.…”

Recent Advances in Motion Control of Micro/Nanomotors

“…The motion propelled by acoustic propulsion shows tremendous benefits and versatile motion modes; [105][106][107] however, there are some deficiencies such as propulsion mechanism that is yet to be understood well, ultrasound setup could not be optimized, Figure 8. Representative examples of acoustic-propelled micro/nanomotors.…”

Advances in Micromanipulation Actuated by Vibration-Induced Acoustic Waves and Streaming Flow

“…By applying a circular vibration to the spiral pattern of the micropillars array, a swirling flow is induced around the micropillars, and target particles or cells are transported toward the catcher placed at the center of the spiral. Li et al [71] similarly used line-shape strips structures, which are illustrated in Figure 6b. High-frequency vibration induces strong turbulence at sharp corners of the strips, with linear flow near the long straight side.…”

“…Every proposed new structure oriented to the operation target has to do all the work from beginning to end. [69,70], Lu et al [71], and Imashiro et al [72,73]. (a) Very small micropillers are machined equidistantly along two symmetrical spiral lines.…”