Automation of nanoscale manipulation

The handling of micro- and nanoscale objects with an accuracy in the nanometer range is an important current trend in robotics. It is often referred to as nanohandling and is primarily understood as manipulation of objects, which may include their finding, grasping, moving, tracking, releasing, positioning, pushing, pulling, cutting, bending, twisting, etc. Automated nanohandling is one of the key challenges of microsystem technology and nanotechnology. It will enable high-throughput manufacturing of novel products and open up new application fields. Current research work includes, amongst others, the development of new nanohandling robots; the investigation of novel automated nanohandling strategies; the development of advanced control methods, and the investigation of suitable real-time sensing technologies on the nanoscale. In his talk, Prof. Fatikow introduces his Division's current research work on these topics as well as the research projects and applications being pursued. They include automated nanoassembly of AFM supertips inside SEM, handling and characterization of carbon nanotubes (CNT) , electron beam induced deposition (EBiD) as a bonding and nanostructuring technology, automation issues in AFM-based nanohandling, characterization of biological objects by AFM/nanorobots, and others.