» I-X Research Presentations: Dandan Zhang

Speaker

Dr Dandan Zhang

Dr Dandan Zhang is a Lecturer (equivalent to an Assistant Professor in the U.S.) in Biomedical Robotics within the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. She also serves as a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as part of the I-X initiative. Dr. Zhang leads the Multi-Scale Embodied Intelligence Lab, where her research focuses on the intersection of robotics, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence. Her lab is committed to developing innovative multi-scale robotic systems with advanced dexterous manipulation capabilities and integrated multi-modality perception. By embedding physical and artificial intelligence into these systems, the lab seeks to create autonomous robots that adapt seamlessly across various scales and environments, driving significant advancements in biomedicine. A recent key focus of her research is micro-robotics, particularly in biomedical applications with the potential to revolutionize personalized healthcare through early diagnostics and interventions.

Talk Title

Dexterous Optical Micro-Robotic System for Biomedical Research

Talk Summary

This presentation will showcase recent advancements in micro-robotic systems, focusing on the innovative application of non-contact optical manipulation using Optical Tweezers (OT). OTs are highly effective for precisely handling microscale objects, which is crucial for various biomedical applications. However, this technology encounters challenges, such as accurately localizing transparent microrobots in three-dimensional space. Moreover, controlling their rotation motions in non-parallel directions to the optical plane is challenging. To address these issues, we introduce a novel OT-based micro-robotic platform that offers dexterous manipulation with six degrees of freedom (DoFs) and precise depth and pose estimation under an optical microscope. The presentation will also cover the design, modeling, and fabrication of uniquely shaped microrobots. Actuated by OTs, these microrobots are intended for the cooperative manipulation of biological objects. Additionally, the integration of shape memory alloy (SMA)-based actuators within the 3D-printed structure enhances manipulation capabilities by enabling controlled contraction-and-release movements. Machine learning-based approaches will be employed for precise tracking, depth and pose estimation, closed-loop control, navigation in complex biofluidic environments, and grasping delicate, deformable biological objects. This advanced optical micro-robotic system aims to improve cell manipulation, tissue engineering, and microsurgery by providing enhanced perception and dexterous manipulation.