 Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)Open OpportunitiesThe ability to manipulate micro-scale objects with precision is a growing field in biomedical engineering, particularly in the context of treating thrombotic conditions. Thrombolysis, the process of dissolving blood clots, remains a significant challenge in medical treatment, with current techniques often limited by their invasiveness and effectiveness. Recent advancements have explored the use of microrobots for targeted thrombolysis, leveraging their ability to maneuver in complex biological environments to enhance clot dissolution and drug delivery. Rotation plays a crucial role in various natural processes, including feeding and locomotion, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving complex interactions with the environment. However, achieving ultrafast rotation in artificial microrobots presents significant engineering challenges. Traditional methods of inducing rotation, such as acoustic manipulation, have shown promise but are often constrained by limitations in rotational speed and control precision. These constraints hinder the microrobot's ability to effectively engage with functions.
In response to these challenges, we introduce an innovative solution: an untethered ultrafast-rotating spiral microrobot designed for physical thrombolysis. This microrobot employs a symmetric spiral structure that generates a consistent torque while maintaining a zero net force, allowing for sustained high-speed rotation. The unique design of the spiral structure ensures efficient rotational motion, overcoming previous limitations in rotation speed. A key feature of our microrobot is its sharp-tip design, which enhances its ability to penetrate and mechanically disrupt thrombi. This mechanical drilling action facilitates the breakdown of clots, making thrombolysis more effective. Additionally, the microrobot incorporates a drug-holding cavity, enabling it to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the site of the thrombus. This dual functionality—mechanical disruption combined with targeted drug delivery—promises a more efficient approach to thrombolysis. This ultrafast-rotating microrobot represents a significant advancement in microrobot design and its application in medical treatments.
- Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| The manipulation of materials and fluids through acoustic streaming has emerged as a powerful technique with applications in manufacturing and biomedical engineering. This method utilizes sound waves to control the movement of particles within a fluid, offering precise and non-invasive manipulation. However, achieving freeform path manipulation—guiding materials along complex, non-linear trajectories—remains a significant challenge due to difficulties in controlling the influence range and vortex dynamics of acoustic streaming. Traditional methods often struggle with maintaining precision and stability along intricate paths, as the non-uniform distribution of acoustic forces complicates consistent directionality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution, enabling real-time control and optimization of these systems. By integrating AI with acoustic streaming, algorithms can analyze and predict the interactions between acoustic forces and fluid dynamics, allowing for dynamic adjustments that enhance accuracy.
In this thesis, we propose addressing these challenges by implementing a pillar array of acoustic actuators coupled with AI-driven control systems. The pillar array will generate and modulate acoustic streaming fields, while AI will optimize and automate their control in real time. This integration aims to improve the precision of freeform path manipulation, facilitating the creation of complex patterns that are otherwise difficult to achieve, thereby expanding the possibilities for material manipulation across various applications.
- Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| The manipulation of materials and fluids through acoustic streaming has emerged as a powerful technique with applications in manufacturing and biomedical engineering. This method utilizes sound waves to control the movement of particles within a fluid, offering precise and non-invasive manipulation. However, achieving freeform path manipulation—guiding materials along complex, non-linear trajectories—remains a significant challenge due to difficulties in controlling the influence range and vortex dynamics of acoustic streaming. Traditional methods often struggle with maintaining precision and stability along intricate paths, as the non-uniform distribution of acoustic forces complicates consistent directionality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution, enabling real-time control and optimization of these systems. By integrating AI with acoustic streaming, algorithms can analyze and predict the interactions between acoustic forces and fluid dynamics, allowing for dynamic adjustments that enhance accuracy.
In this thesis, we propose addressing these challenges by implementing a pillar array of acoustic actuators coupled with AI-driven control systems. The pillar array will generate and modulate acoustic streaming fields, while AI will optimize and automate their control in real time. This integration aims to improve the precision of freeform path manipulation, facilitating the creation of complex patterns that are otherwise difficult to achieve, thereby expanding the possibilities for material manipulation across various applications.
- Artificial Intelligence and Signal and Image Processing, Communications Technologies, Computation Theory and Mathematics, Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Information Systems, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Identifying effective control strategies for the automation of acoustic robotic systems is challenging in a microfluidic environment. This project focuses on reinforcement learning (RL) to control microrobots in chaotic microfluidic flow and vortices. - Computer Vision, Intelligent Robotics, Neural Networks, Genetic Alogrithms and Fuzzy Logic, Robotics and Mechatronics, Virtual Reality and Related Simulation
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
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