Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hsi-Wen Tung is a pioneer in the field of microrobotics, with a primary focus on wireless magnetic manipulation and its application to biomedical and laboratory automation. His most significant contribution is the invention of the "RodBot," a transversely magnetized, rod-shaped microrobot that rolls along surfaces under a rotating magnetic field. This innovative design enables non-contact manipulation of micro-objects in liquid environments—a critical capability for delicate tasks. Tung’s work has had a tangible impact, with his foundational 2013 paper on noncontact manipulation using the RodBot accumulating 64 citations, and his subsequent 2015 modeling and control study earning 42 citations. Notably, he applied this technology to a pressing real-world problem: automated protein crystal harvesting. His 2014 work on this topic, which integrates a magnetic visual control system for precise, automated handling, represents a key step toward high-throughput crystallography in drug discovery. Through these contributions, Tung has demonstrated how clever, minimalist magnetic designs can replace bulky end-effectors, opening new possibilities for microassembly, cell manipulation, and lab-on-a-chip systems.