The Fastest Microrobot Pitcher: Design Exploration for a Throwing Microrobot

Barré, C. Cloud; Steinhardt, Emma; Wood, Robert J.

doi:10.1109/lra.2023.3281939

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…This composite is subsequently assembled into the desired device using either manual folding, [ 2 ] self‐folding, [ 3,4 ] or tab‐and‐slot assembly. [ 5 ] A wide variety of mechanical elements (rigid structures, articulated hinges, and springs [ 6–8 ] ) and electrical functions can be achieved by composing materials with different mechanical, electrical, or thermal characteristics. Various actuator types (dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), [ 9 ] shape memory alloys (SMAs), [ 10 ] piezoelectric, [ 11 ] fluidic, [ 12 ] electrostatic, [ 13 ] electromagnetic [ 14 ] ) as well as sensing elements are also available for integration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Considerations for the Design and Rapid Manufacturing of Pop‐Up MEMS Devices

Ramirez Serrano,

Steinhardt,

Wood

2024

Adv Materials Technologies

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The rising number of devices created using pop‐up microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and related folding‐based assembly techniques highlights the need for robust design and manufacturing workflows to support the wide range of device variations. To push the bounds of miniaturization, design for manufacturing is key in dealing with fabrication challenges. Iterative building of intermediate device prototypes is a promising way to explore an often very large design space and can highlight mechanical limitations that may not be obvious to the designer. Manufacturing of pop‐up MEMS devices is, however, typically a lengthy process with lamination taking a significant percentage of the build time, compared to layer machining and component assembly. To expedite the design process, researchers often prototype multiple iterations at larger scales prior to committing to at‐scale designs. In this study, an at‐scale rapid prototyping workflow for pop‐up MEMS devices is introduced. This study also includes flexure design considerations for castellated hinges, to approach the behavior of an ideal pin joint. The new proposed workflow uses more accessible lower‐cost equipment and materials and reduces lamination time by over 95% (10 min lamination vs a 3.5 h lamination) compared to the previous heated press process, which is validated through a series of prototypes.

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