A one cubic centimeter mobile microrobot with a steering control

This paper describes a teleoperated mobile microrobot incorporating a novel type of electromagnetic micromotor. The overall dimensions of the microrobot are 10 mm/spl times/10 mm/spl times/10 mm. Two micromotors are used to actuate the two wheels of the microrobot. The micromotor is based on variable reluctance working principle and moves step by step. The micromotor is driven by a sequence of current pulses and performs about 200 steps per revolution. The micromotor generates a torque of 350.10/sup -6/ Nm at each step and a maximum speed of about 180 rpm. The heart of the control circuitry is the PIC16C73 microcontroller, that implements the control algorithm which allows the microrobot to move forward, backward and turn left or right. The operator controls the microrobot by a remote joystick and flexible ultraminiature wires. The microrobot has a maximum speed of 10 cm/s and can climb a slope of 15 degrees. The paper describes the design, fabrication and performance of the microrobot and of its components.