Dan Popa J.B. Speed School of Engineering University of Louisville USA

Lean Robotic Micromanufacturing with the Nexus

In this presentation we will describe the design, implementation and demo uses of Nexus, a multi-robot micromanufacturing system that contains precision manipulation and advanced 3D printing tools that can be used for deposition, sintering, assembly, packaging, and charactnerization of tablet sized MEMS prototypes with micron-size features. Nexus contains industrial robots for pick and place, custom multi-DOF micropositioners for sample positioning and testing, 3D printing with 10 micro resolution jetting, sintering using Intense Pulse Light (IPL), and fabric weaving for wearable electronics. We showcase aerosol jet and inkjet deposition and curing processes on the Nexus for tactile sensitive robotic skins that have been fine-tuned using machine learning design of experiments (DOE). Optimal process parameters were developed from acquired data and used by the Nexus to produce sensors with embedded electronic components on the same flexible substrate.