Hydraulic actuation based on flow of non-wetting fluids in micro-channels

The behavior of non-wetting fluids in micro-channels can be utilized to create an unusual form of micro-hydraulic technology that enables fabrication of various kinds of micro-actuators and micro-bearings. In addition, this same technology can be used to construct micro-pumps capable of generating flows of wetting fluids in micro-channels and to manipulate and control these flows.