BCALL PRIN 2022D. D. N. 104 DEL 2 FEBRUARY 2022
TITOLO DEL PROGETTO ELFIN – ELectroactive gripper For mIcro-object maNipulation
CODICE CUP D53D23004030006
Budget: € 85.151
U.R. Coordinator: Prof. Nicola Menga – Poliba
Other Research Units: Prof. Michele Scaraggi – UniSalento
Brief project description
The ELFIN project – ELectroactive gripper For mIcro-object maNipulation concerns the development of new electroactive surfaces and soft microgrippers for the controlled manipulation of micro-objects. The activity combines theoretical modelling, multiscale contact mechanics, micro/nanofabrication, and experimental validation of functionalized surfaces capable of modulating adhesion and friction through electroadhesion. The reference application case is the controlled grasping and release of microparticles, with particular attention to pollen grains, which are characterized by complex, multiscale surface morphologies. The project therefore aims to provide scientific and technological foundations for intelligent tribological interfaces, with potential applications in micromanipulation, artificial pollination, precision microassembly, biomedical applications, and soft microrobotics.
Purpose
The general aim of the project is to develop scientific and technological criteria for designing intelligent surfaces capable of controlling adhesive and tribological properties at the interface in real time. In particular, ELFIN seeks to overcome the limitations of conventional micromanipulation techniques, in which surface forces make both the pickup and the controlled release of micro-objects challenging. To this end, the project combines electroactive surfaces, compliant materials, micro/nanostructured architectures, and advanced contact mechanics models, with the objective of modulating the work of adhesion through electrical actuation. The project also has an application-oriented objective related to the manipulation of pollen particles, with a view to supporting the development of technologies for artificial pollination and, more generally, devices for precision micromanipulation.
Expected results
The expected results included defining the functional specifications of the devices and performance indicators; developing theoretical and numerical models to describe multiscale adhesive contact between rough surfaces and microparticles; optimizing electrode architecture and microgripper geometry; fabricating electroadhesive surfaces with planar and hierarchical configurations; and functionally and tribologically characterizing them. The project also envisaged the development of experimental demonstrators and a comparison between model-predicted performance and measured performance. Finally, the dissemination of results was planned through scientific publications, the project website, dedicated communication channels, participation in conferences, and dissemination activities aimed at both the scientific community and stakeholders and the general public.
Achieved results
The project achieved its main planned objectives, progressing from the conceptual definition through to the implementation and validation of scientific and technological results. Theoretical and numerical models were developed to describe electroadhesive contact and the dynamics of particle gripping and release; the geometric and functional configurations of the microgrippers were optimised; and electroadhesive surfaces with planar and hierarchical architectures were fabricated. From a scientific perspective, ELFIN advanced understanding of the contact mechanics of soft polymer interfaces, with particular attention to the combined role of electroadhesion, friction, viscoelasticity, roughness and micro-pad thickness. From a technological perspective, the project led to the definition of electroadhesive architectures, predictive models, microgripper geometries, fabricated surfaces and proof-of-concept demonstrators. Scientific and public dissemination activities were also carried out through publications in international journals, conference contributions, the project website, social media channels and public engagement initiatives.
