Conclusion

This article provides an overview of the various existing microrobotic technologies and the range of applications already identified, whether on an industrial or scientific scale. These technologies are used to move, position, orientate, assemble and characterize objects with dimensions ranging from a few micrometers to 1 millimeter. A first family of technologies, based on a top-down approach, uses robotized structures, contact grippers (microgrippers being the most widely used) and adapted actuation and control techniques to achieve accuracies well below the micrometer. A second family of technologies, based on a bottom-up approach, enables components (objects to be manipulated or pushers) to be moved using highly dynamic remote actuation techniques. These two approaches complement each other in terms of performance.

These technical and scientific developments...