Modular, interacting Actuator-Sensor Systems by Automation of Design and Implementation (MASADI)

The focus of this project is on miniaturising of the electrochemomechanical actuators, based on carbon-nanotube material (CNT) and integration into microsystems.

The modular and distributed structure of the system will be controlled by in field reconfiguration of the components and by a computer-aided design automation tool. The complexity of the system design will be got under control by a customized and application specific approach on a high abstraction level.

The new microsystems will require miniaturised sensors and energy converters for autarkic operation. The communication between the system components will be realized using wireless network technology.

There is a need for innovation of new driver concepts for new types of actuators and autonomous systems. Concepts like adiabatic drivers will be realised to recycle the energy stored in actuators to improve energy efficiency. New concepts of actuator modules will be realised to store and to transport the energy (“battery on wheel” concepts). The actuators and microsystems will be optimized to move in different environmental conditions (on walls, in fluids). The integrated sensor characteristics of actuators will be used to control the movement of the actuator itself (dual use as sensor and actuator).

The communication between neighbouring components will be used to negociate connection possibilities on mechanical and electrical level (lock-and-key principle). This enables both adaptation and reconfiguration of modules needed for solving complex tasks.

Innovative electronic packaging and connection technologies, e.g. LTCC, combine the capability for integration of the components actuators, sensors, electronics and mechanics to a running system. Design automation output will make use of rapid prototyping facilities.

The autonomous sensor-actuator-system relies on the distributed software paradigm.

-manipulators in microscopic products
-positioning of probes on substrates or wafers for test/producting/quality (e.g. high frequency probes)
-micro/nanofabrication (products, e.g. carbon nanotubes in electronical components)
-micro pumps for medical applications

- design automation tools
-energy recovering in actuators
-designing tools for development and configaration
-optimal packaging for the actuator systems

Experts in rapid-prototyping technologies for innovative microsystems
Experts in connection and packaging technologies with focus on microsystems
Experts in research of sensor components for microsystems, like micro pumps, positioning systems. Also experience in distributed sensor systems.
Experts in development and research of actuators based on piezo-material or other concepts
Experts in design of intelligent autonomous systems

Some examples of specific applications: The energy concept will be matched to the application profile in micro pumps, micro valves, micro manipulators, micro robots and miniaturised production systems.

- Software developer for simulation processes
- partner in the field of design automation tools

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