Automated micromanipulation for a microhand with All-In-Focus imaging system

For potential applications in bioscience, a two-fingered microhand with dexterous manipulation capability was developed. This microhand system could perform dexterous tasks such as cell rotation, single cell pick-and-place, cell patterning, and measurement of mechanical properties of living cells. However, it is a tedious task to manipulate micro objects manually. In order to improve the efficiency of the system, automated micromanipulation is required. This paper describes how to automate micromanipulation for this two-fingered microhand so that it can perform desired tasks more efficiently, more accurately, and faster. By integrating an All-In-Focus imaging system to the microhand system, 3D positions of the two microfinger tips and micro target objects can be obtained. These 3D positions are necessary for the microhand to handle the target object automatically. We demonstrate this capability by a pick-and-place task with multi-sized microspheres. Short time for object grasping and success rate over 70% for all cases could be achieved.