Multi-Probe Micro-Assembly

This paper describes the algorithm development and experimental results of a multi-probe micro-assembly system. The experimental testbed consists of two actuated probes, an actuated die stage, and vision feedback. The kinematics relationships for the probes, die stage, and part manipulation are derived and used for calibration and kinematics-based planning and control. Particular attention has been focused on the effect of adhesion forces in probe-part and part-stage contacts in order to achieve grasp stability and robust part manipulation. By combining pre-planned manipulation sequences and vision based manipulation, repeatable spatial (in contrast to planar) manipulation and insertion of a sub-millimeter part has been demonstrated. The insertion process only requires the operator to identify two features to initialize the calibration, and the remaining tasks involving part pick-up, manipulation, and insertion are all performed autonomously.