Integrating a complex electronic system in a small-scale autonomous instrumented robot: the NanoWalker project

Sylvain M. Martel; Kevin Doyle; Gerardo Martinez; Ian Warwick Hunter; Serge Lafontaine

doi:10.1117/12.357810

18 August 1999 Integrating a complex electronic system in a small-scale autonomous instrumented robot: the NanoWalker project

Sylvain M. Martel, Kevin Doyle, Gerardo Martinez, Ian Warwick Hunter, Serge Lafontaine

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3834, Microrobotics and Microassembly; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357810
Event: Photonics East '99, 1999, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

The NanoWalker project is an attempt to explore a new approach in the development of various instruments. The idea is to build a small autonomous robot capable of nanometer range motions that will provide a standard platform for new miniaturized embedded instruments. This modular approach will allow easy expansion in instrumentation capability through the use of an arbitrary number of NanoWalkers which would perform similar or different measurement simultaneously on various samples. To do so, a fair amount of electronics must be embedded for infrared wireless communication, processing, support for the embedded instrument, and accurate control and drive capability for the piezo-actuated motion system. Miniaturization of the whole assembly is also a key characteristic to allow more robots to operate simultaneously within smaller surface areas. As such, new assembly techniques applicable to small volume production must be used to achieve the smallest possible implementation. The integration phase within the technological constraints is complicated by the fact that several factors such as the weight and weight distribution of the electronic assembly will have a direct impact on the very sensitive motion behavior of the robot. The NanoWalker is briefly described with the integration phases and the requirements that must be met by the assembly process.

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Sylvain M. Martel, Kevin Doyle, Gerardo Martinez, Ian Warwick Hunter, and Serge Lafontaine "Integrating a complex electronic system in a small-scale autonomous instrumented robot: the NanoWalker project", Proc. SPIE 3834, Microrobotics and Microassembly, (18 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357810

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