3 accepted papers
We present a new unimorph actuator for micro-robotics, which is driven by thin shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires. Using a passive-capillary-alignment technique and existing SMA-microsystem fabrication methods, we developed an actuator that is 7 mm long, has a volume of 0.45 mm3, weighs 0.96 mg, and can…
We present the shape-memory alloy (SMA) robotic traveling insect (SMARTI), a 60-mg crawling microrobot that is driven by two 6-mg high-frequency SMA bending actuators and whose two-module configuration enables controlled differential steering and path following. During operation, the two modules are
We present the design, fabrication and experimental testing of SMALLBug, a 30-mg crawling microrobot that is 13 mm in length and can locomote at actuation frequencies of up to 20 Hz. The robot is driven by an electrically-powered 6-mg bending actuator that is composed of a thin shape-memory alloy (S