Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

The World’s Smallest Flying Microrobot J apan’s Seiko Epson Corporation has developed what their research suggests is the world’s smallest    “Micro Flying Robot”, or uFR. The 8.9 gram machine was built to demonstrate the micromechatronics technology that the company has cultivated over the years. It is also intended to allow development of component technology applications and explore the possibilities for microrobots. The uFR has the world’s highest power-to-weight ratio (according to Epson research) and includes a low power consumption wireless module (again, according to Epson, the lowest in the world), mid-air control technology and a centre-of-mass movement control achieved through a linear actuator circuit. Epson has developed and marketed a family of microrobots known as the EMRoS Series, beginning with the “Monsieur” model put on sale in 1993 and currently listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest microrobot. EMRoS stands for Epson Micro Robot System. The series consists of Monsieur (1 cm3 in volume; 1993); Nino (0.5 cm3, 1994); Ricordo (1 44  Silicon Chip cm3; equipped with a recording and playback function; 1995); and Rubie (1 cm3; equipped with a capricious wandering function; 1995). All are autonomous travelling robots that chase a light source. In April 2003 Epson developed Monsieur II-P, a prototype microrobot which operates on an ultra-thin, ultrasonic motor and a power-saving Bluetooth module that allows multiple units to simultaneously remote controlled. Epson even put together a suite of these robots to create the world’s smallest full-blown robot ballet theatre. It might sound like a lot of fun but Epson are playing a pioneering role in research and development relating to microrobots and component technology applications. Sales of the EMRoS series have been discontinued and there are no plans to produce or market the new uFR. How does it fly? A pair of contra-rotating propellers powered by an ultra-thin, ultrasonic motor with the world’s highest powerweight ratio create the lift required. These can be balanced in mid-air by means of the world’s first stabilising mechanism using a linear actuator. Micromechatronics has been brought together in high-density mounting technology to minimise the size and weight of the circuitry’s control unit. By developing the uFR, Epson has demonstrated the possibility of expanding the activity range of microrobots from two-dimensional space (the ground) to three-dimensional Power supply: 3.5V space (the air). Power consumption: 3W Epson intends to use the uFR to Diameter: About 130mm feel out the reactions of visitors, Height: About 70mm discover and test problems related Levitation power: About 13 g/f to microrobots and to further conTotal weight: About 8.9 g centrate its efforts on advancing Wireless module/control units: About 2.5 g its original micromechatronics Sensors: About 0.9 g technology and cultivating applicaMechanism: About 5.1 g tions to meet future needs. SC General Specifications www.siliconchip.com.au