Flagella-like propulsion for microrobots using a nanocoil and a rotating electromagnetic field

D. J. Bell, S. Leutenegger, K. M. Hammar, L. X. Dong, B. J. Nelson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

124 Scopus citations

Abstract

A propulsion system similar in size and motion to the helical bacterial flagella motor is presented. The system consists of a magnetic nanocoil as a propeller (27 nm thick ribbon, 3 μm in diameter, 30-40 μm long) driven by an arrangement of macro coils. The macro coils generate a rotating field that induces rotational motion in the nanocoil. Viscous forces during rotation result in a net axial propulsion force on the nanocoil. Modeling of fluid mechanics and magnetics was used to estimate the requirements for such a system. The fabrication of the magnetic nanocoils and the system setup are explained. Experimental results from electromagnetic actuation of nanocoils as well as from their propulsion in both paraffin oil and water are presented. This is the first time a propulsion system of this size and motion-type has been fabricated and experimentally verified.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07
Pages1128-1133
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07 - Rome, Italy
Duration: 10 Apr 200714 Apr 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period10/04/0714/04/07

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