Object manipulation and position control using a swarm with global inputs

Abstract

Micro robots are suited for targeted drug delivery and micro scale manufacturing because they are small enough to navigate the passageways of the body. However, due to their small size, micro robots cannot contain onboard processing for autonomy nor onboard power. Instead they are controlled by an external signal such as a magnetic field. Because each robot can only provide a small amount of force or transport a small amount of material, large swarms of robots are required, all controlled by the same external field.