Towards automated robot-based nanohandling

Abstract

One of the key challenges of microsystem- and nanotechnologies is the automation of robot-based nanomanipulation. However, there is limited sensor feedback due to lack of appropriate sensors. Sensor feedback is required for repeatable actuator movements from macro- down to the nanoscale. This complicates the design of reliable automation processes. In this paper, the development of an automated robot-based toolbox for cell injection and handling is presented. This toolbox includes several sensor methods, bridging several orders of magnitude as feedback for automation. A non-linear support vector machine (SVM) is applied for classification of the viability of cells as feedback for quality control. A visual servoing algorithm for position tracking of the injection needle as well as an injection force sensor have been developed. First automation results and the control system are explained.