MiCRoN
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The MiCRoN Project
Objective
The goal of the European Union IST project MiCRoN was the development of a multi-robot manipulation system capable of handling µm-sized objects. The system is based on a small cluster of about a few cubic-centimetre-sized robots. Each robot is equipped with onboard electronics for communications and control. These robots are controlled by infrared communication and they can be equipped with various tools such as syringe-chips, grippers or AFM probes. The aim of the project was to automatically perform tasks like injecting cells with fluids or soldering SMD micro resistors.
Members
Members from Uppsala, Lausanne, St. Ingbert, Athens, Pisa, Barcelona, Karlsruhe and Sheffield have participated in this project. The task of the MMVL was to develop computer vision software.
Computer Vision
Computer vision for microscopes has to deal with the problem of limited depth of field. But instead of trying to overcome this, one can actually use the depth information concealed in this images.
By using focus-stacks as models it was possible to provide real-time object recognition of multiple objects in up to 4 degrees-of-freedom. The micro-objects are not required to stay at a fixed distance to the camera any more. Novel automated procedures in biology and micro-technology are thus conceivable.
