Micro-assembly using optically controlled bubble microrobots

Abstract

Bubbles controlled by optically induced heating were made to function as novel microrobots for micromanipulation and micro-assembly. Using light patterns generated by a commercial computer projector, bubble microrobots were controlled and used to manipulate glass microbeads and perform the micro-assembly of micro-blocks and cell-encapsulating hydrogel beads. Two manipulation modes, pulling and pushing, were used to move micro-objects into place and manipulate glass beads with a velocity of up to 350 μm/s. The simultaneous independent control of three bubble robots was also demonstrated.