ASSEMIC · Advanced Methods and Tools for Handling and Assembly in Microtechnology

Final Activity Report Summary - ASSEMIC (Advanced Methods and Tools for Handling and Assembly in Microtechnology)

ASSEMIC was devoted to training and research in handling and assembly at the micro-dimension, involving advanced methods and tools and providing a multidisciplinary, complementary approach. This was achieved by combining the research competence of research and development (RD) centres and universities with the application-oriented view from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrial partners. The scientific and technical complementarity required by micro-handling and assembly, which was an intrinsically multidisciplinary topic, could be ensured by merging the partners’ expertise in fields such as the design of hybrid micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and micro-tools, material physics and tribology, laser technology, advanced control techniques and artificial intelligence etc. The project was structured in the following work packages and produced the listed results: 1. high accuracy positioning, including integration of position sensing devices for sensory feedback in microhandling applications, SU8 microcantilever arrays in autonomous mobile platforms for microrobots, microrobotics modelling and enhancement of mobile robots for manipulation in a scanning electron chamber (SEM) chamber. 2. advanced tools and control for microhandling, with components such as haptic interfaces and haptic tweezers for grasping micro-objects with fore feedback, low-voltage silicon microgripper, blood-vessel microgripper, advanced production processes for microgrippers, e.g. those based on powder injection moulding, piezo-electrically actuated polymer grippers, shape memory alloy (SMA) polymer grippers, theoretical and experimental studies on material and adhesion issues, functionalisation of arrays of cantilevers, theoretical and experimental studies on material and adhesion issues 3. microassembly tools and strategies, e.g. three axis force sensor, real time reflection and triangulation three-dimensional position sensor, automated or teleoperated assembly stations, cantilever piezoresistive biosensors, which could be used for quantitative measurements of biochemical components like proteins, nanomanipulator with microdispenser, automated manipulation of biological cells, a modified electrostatically driven microgripper as sensing device for measuring the mechanical behaviour, such as that of blood vessels, pick-and-join tools and laser bonding and, finally, comparative study on advantages of integrated monolithic versus hybrid Microsystems 4. quality management for industrial manufacturability, including automated handling and assembly with intelligent control techniques, test and characterisation of the assembled Microsystems, such as torque measurement of micromotors, development of a method for automated characterisation of integrated microcantilever devices by machine vision, micropositioning using reinforcement learning, visualisation of the manipulator and the workspace with efficient three-dimensional rendering, simulation of the manipulator handling of chips for self-assembly applications by implementing intelligent capabilities by means of adaptive control techniques, automated system for measurement and characterisation of microdispensed drops by means of image processing 5. know-how management, related to coordination of interactions among partners and dissemination of the consortium results through e-learning, technology transfer and dissemination, etc. Special focus was placed on training and dissemination, including workshops, open-door days, summer schools, newsletters and a road show. Moreover, 146 publications resulting directly from the network, of which 130 involved recruited researchers, 48 were joint publications that involved at least two network contractors and 10 involved invited contractors. In addition, many of the researchers who already left the network after expiration of their appointments were successfully integrated in high level research, while one former early stage researcher (ESR), namely Uninova, was involved in the foundation of a Start-up-company. In terms of the integration and mutual influence of ASSEMIC outcomes with other Sixth Framework Programme (6FP) networks, it should be noted that strong synergies to relevant industrial research initiatives and programmes, such as the Eureka Factory, Manufuture Platform, Nanomanufacturing Workgroup were established and shared research coordination activities within the 6FP were set-up, including Minos-Euronet, IPPMAN, Nanohand and 4M. Finally, this innovative project was awarded three prizes.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union