Brian McCoy
Papers
6
Total Citations
201
H-Index
6
About
Brian McCoy is a pioneer in the field of diamagnetic micro-manipulation, focusing on massively parallel robotic systems that defy conventional motion constraints. His key research areas include micro-robotics, automated assembly, and self-organizing manufacturing systems. McCoy’s major contribution is the development of the DiaMagnetic Micro Manipulator (DM3) system—a platform where millimeter-scale robots are diamagnetically levitated, enabling zero-friction, near-zero-hysteresis motion controlled by printed circuit boards. This breakthrough allows for the precise manipulation of micro-scale components, from 10-μm polymer spheres to silicon parts, and even the construction of macroscopic carbon fiber trusses with over 1,000 parts. His work has garnered significant attention, with his seminal 2012 paper on diamagnetically levitated robots cited 87 times, and subsequent studies on 2D and 3D micro-assembly accumulating over 60 citations. Notably, McCoy demonstrated the first automated assembly of complex, lightweight structures using these levitated robots, achieving mechanical crush performance in cubic trusses. His research bridges the gap between science fiction visions of swarming micro-robots and practical, adaptive automation systems, offering a path toward highly flexible manufacturing. For students and researchers, McCoy’s work exemplifies how unconventional physics can revolutionize robotics and assembly at the microscale.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Automated 2D micro-assembly using diamagnetically levitated milli-robots34 citations · 2017
- 3Diamagnetically levitated Milli-robots for heterogeneous 3D assembly28 citations · 2018
- 4Application of micro-robots for building carbon fiber trusses22 citations · 2016
- 5
- 6