Optoelectronic Navigation-Based Microtruck: For Efficient Cargo Loading, Transport, and Unloading
Ao Wang, Wenyan Niu, Caiding Ni, Shunxiao Huang, Yingjian Guo, Lin Feng
Abstract
This study proposes an optoelectronic navigation strategy leveraging Ag-SiO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf> microspheres as “microtruck” to overcome the limitations of traditional optoelectronic tweezers (OET) in manipulating negative dielectrophoresis (nDEP) particles. By dynamically adjusting electric field frequency and optical parameters, we regulate particle-induced dielectrophoretic forces (PiDEP) to achieve efficient adsorption, high-speed transport, and site-specific unloading of nDEP-responsive cargo. Experimental results demonstrate a seven times enhancement in manipulation velocity compared to conventional direct optical methods, along with the capability for simultaneous multi-particle transport. In addition, we utilized finite element simulations to analyze the optimal electric field frequency and optical parameters for the microtruck’s loading and unloading processes. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of critical velocities and failure modes under varying cargo loads further validates the robustness of this approach. Demonstrated within a labyrinthine microenvironment, this strategy enables programmable navigation, sequential cargo handling, and micrometer positional accuracy. This study provides an efficient solution for biomedical applications, including precise single-cell manipulation and targeted drug delivery.
BibTeX
@inproceedings{iros2025_optoelectronicna,
title = {Optoelectronic Navigation-Based Microtruck: For Efficient Cargo Loading, Transport, and Unloading},
author = {Ao Wang and Wenyan Niu and Caiding Ni and Shunxiao Huang and Yingjian Guo and Lin Feng},
booktitle = {IROS 2025},
year = {2025}
}