Application fields of microrobotic

There is growing interest in micrometric objects (less than a millimetre in size), whether biological or man-made. In the case of biological objects, cells, which are generally between a few micrometers and a few hundred micrometers in size, represent extraordinary objects of study and therapeutic potential. In the case of artificial objects, the development of microtechnologies has enabled the production of ever smaller and more powerful electronic components, such as the accelerometers now widely used in cell phones and motor vehicles.

However, the manipulation of such objects, including their movement, positioning, orientation and characterization, requires techniques adapted to their small size. Conventional techniques are unable to act on each object individually. Cells can be sorted statistically, but it remains difficult to isolate any one of them for study. As far as artificial objects are concerned, electronic components are generally packaged in boxes large enough to be easily handled.

Microroboticists are developing tools capable of moving these objects precisely and individually. This article reviews the fields of application of these microrobotic means, describing the most commonly used manipulation techniques and emphasizing the contribution of this approach. As this is a relatively new field, some developments are still at the research stage. Emphasis is therefore placed on targeted applications.