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Article
A Low-voltage Droplet Microgripper for Micro-object Manipulation
Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering
  • Abhay Vasudev
  • Ashish V. Jagtiani, The University Of Akron
  • Li Du, The University Of Akron
  • Jiang Zhe, University of Akron Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Abstract

We present a low-voltage microgripper utilizing a liquid droplet to pick up and release micro-objects. Lifting force is generated by a liquid bridge formed between the gripper surface and an object. Electrowetting was used to dynamically change the capillary lifting forces and enable easy object release. The driving voltage was applied to a pair of coplanar interdigitated electrodes, eliminating the need for an electrode on top of the droplet and thus significantly facilitating object manipulation. A barium strontium titanate insulation layer was used to lower the driving voltage. Experiments indicated that the lifting forces can be as high as 213 µN at a driving voltage of 28 V. Experiments also demonstrated a low-voltage, low power consumption soft microgripper by picking up and releasing micro glass beads.

Citation Information
Abhay Vasudev, Ashish V. Jagtiani, Li Du and Jiang Zhe. "A Low-voltage Droplet Microgripper for Micro-object Manipulation" Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering Vol. 19 Iss. 7 (2009) p. 075005
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jaing_zhe/21/