RoboMate - World’s First Robotic Angular-Linear Nanopositioning System

RoboMate™ (Pat. Pending) - represents a quantum leap in micro/nanopositioning evolution. The result, based on a totally new concept and design principle, is a precision desktop-size hybrid (combined rotational and linear) motorized nanopositioning system. The system is the first of its kind to allow the probe/tool/laser to be precisely positioned at infinitely variable angles with respect to the target sample. Using DTI’s Virtual Point™ technology the tip of the probe/tool (or lens) can remain fixed at a specific point whilst its’ angle of approach with respect to the target sample can be varied continuously.

Background

For over 100 years the basic design principle used in standard micropositioner and micromanipulator systems has remained relatively unchanged based on the traditional XY and XYZ linear displacement configurations; whereby each axis of linear movement is fixed and perpendicular with respect to an orthogonal axis of linear movement. Whilst a number of technological advances have been made in micropositioner design; such improvements have generally focused on the mechanics and control systems.

Despite these improvements it is often desirable to alter the angle of approach of a probe/tool with respect to the target sample. Although a number of manufacturers have developed ad hoc adapters and devices that permit movement outside of the orthogonal planes (e.g. rotational movement of a linear axis); such adaptation is generally cumbersome requiring the probe/tool to be removed from the target sample while the new position/angle is then pre-set by hand. Currently there is no device commercially available that allows simultaneous precise motorized control over the angle of approach and linear movement of the probe/tool.

Unique Versatility

RoboMate overcomes the inherent drawbacks of these systems by enabling a continuously variable angle of approach, while at the same time keeping the point of the probe/tool fixed at the target site (Virtual point™).

Applications

Applications are numerous in microelectronics (MEMS, NEMS), semi-conductor, photonics, fiber optics, micro-manufacturing, biology and medicine:

• Microscopy and microcircuit inspection and QC – microscope camera can be fitted to the linear axis of RoboMate

• Micro and nano positioning

• Microchip probing, re-work and prototyping

• Laser and fiber optic alignment

• Laser damage testing

• X Ray orientation

• Ultra-fine assembly, probing, soldering & testing

• Micropositioning (electrophysiology, e.g. patch clamping)

• Microinjection

• Microscopy – microscope camera can be fitted to the linear axis of RoboMate

• Microsurgery

• X Ray orientation