Remote controlled micro-robots using electromagnetic actuation (EMA) systems

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new generation of micro-robots utilizing electromagnetic actuation (EMA) systems technology. The fundamental principles and characteristics of EMA systems are presented in order to facilitate understanding of the technology. The proposed micro-robots using EMA systems are categorized as 1) micro-robots actuated by the gradient magnetic field of EMA systems in 2D and 3D space and 2) micro-robots propelled by the rotational magnetic field of EMA systems. The various proposed types of EMA micro-robot systems serve to demonstrate the different locomotive performance capabilities of the micro-robots and show the feasibility of EMA micro-robot systems as medical apparatus. As such, this paper can be of great benefit to the development of a new type of medical EMA systems or the application of such systems.