Microrobotics Laboratory

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Small-scale robotics for biomedical and healthcare 

Areas of expertise

The Microrobotics Laboratory at the University of Toronto focuses on small-scale robotics and bio-inspired novel locomotion systems. Our main areas of study are fabrication and control relating to remote actuation of micro-scale devices using magnetic fields, micro-scale robotic manipulation, smart materials, and the creation of novel biomedical devices. The lab’s goal is to develop tools and techniques for accessing small, confined or remote environments for applications in biotechnology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

Research services

Characterization of micro-scale mechanisms, micronewton-level force measurement, prototyping, magnetic field measurement, actuation of micro-robots, microscopy

Sectors of application
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
  • Manufacturing and processing
Specialized lab Equipment Function
Microrobotics Lab Laser cutter Cutting of plastic, wood
  Nikon stereomicroscope Low-power magnification
  Nikon optical microscope Magnification 5x to 40x
  Handheld magnetometer Measure magnetic field strength and direction
  Hot plates  
  Ultrasonic cleaner  
  Load cells Measurement of millinewton to newton level forces
  Micro-force sensing probe Measurement of micronewton to millinewton-level forces with digital interface and robotic probe tip motion control
  Syringe pump Flow rate control for microfluidics
  High-speed camera Up to kHz frame rate image acquisition
  Magnetic coils Creation of precision magnetic fields up to 50 mT in strength, in 3D under computer control
Title URL
Tiny, Swimming Robots Could Improve Surgery http://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/tiny-swimming-robots-could-improve-surgery/