What the facility does
Small-scale robotics for biomedical and healthcare
Areas of expertise
The Microrobotics Laboratory at the University of Toronto focuses on small-scale robotics and bio-inspired novel locomotion systems. Our main areas of study are fabrication and control relating to remote actuation of micro-scale devices using magnetic fields, micro-scale robotic manipulation, smart materials, and the creation of novel biomedical devices. The lab’s goal is to develop tools and techniques for accessing small, confined or remote environments for applications in biotechnology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Research services
Characterization of micro-scale mechanisms, micronewton-level force measurement, prototyping, magnetic field measurement, actuation of micro-robots, microscopy
Sectors of application
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Microrobotics Lab | Laser cutter | Cutting of plastic, wood |
| Nikon stereomicroscope | Low-power magnification | |
| Nikon optical microscope | Magnification 5x to 40x | |
| Handheld magnetometer | Measure magnetic field strength and direction | |
| Hot plates | ||
| Ultrasonic cleaner | ||
| Load cells | Measurement of millinewton to newton level forces | |
| Micro-force sensing probe | Measurement of micronewton to millinewton-level forces with digital interface and robotic probe tip motion control | |
| Syringe pump | Flow rate control for microfluidics | |
| High-speed camera | Up to kHz frame rate image acquisition | |
| Magnetic coils | Creation of precision magnetic fields up to 50 mT in strength, in 3D under computer control |
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Tiny, Swimming Robots Could Improve Surgery | http://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/tiny-swimming-robots-could-improve-surgery/ |