A low voltage capillary microgripper using electrowetting

We present a new microgripper utilizing a liquid droplet to pick up and release micro objects. Lifting force is evolved from a liquid bridge formed between the gripper surface and an object. Electrowetting is used to dynamically change the capillary lifting forces and enable object release. The driving voltage is applied to a pair of coplanar interdigitated electrodes. A Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) insulation layer is used to lower the driving voltage. Experiments indicated that the lifting forces can be as high as 213 muN at a driving voltage of 28 V. Experiments also demonstrated the picking-up and releasing of micro glass beads.