Application of micro-robots for building carbon fiber trusses

Abstract

Using diamagnetic micro-manipulation, micro-robots (~10 mm in size) with specialized end-effectors are able to grasp and manipulate small light weight (~mg) carbon fiber elements to construct macroscopic cubic carbon fiber trusses (~1000 parts and 300 mm long) that can achieve mechanical crush performances surpassing those of commercially available aluminum honey combs. Employing low cost micro-robots and end-effectors allows the implementation of both parallelization and new functionality without the need for expensive fixed tooling. We demonstrate this concept by modifying the micro-robot end effectors to build carbon fiber octet trusses and carbon fiber trusses with integrated electronics.