In order to demonstrate the capabilities of a new nanorobotic system, French scientists from Femto-ST Institute have built a "microhouse" that sits on a plot measuring only 300 by 300 micrometers.
In this study, the authors have demonstrated that it is possible to realize several three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nanostructures, by the fabrication of the smallest microhouse using a dual beam scanning electron microscope (SEM)/focused ion beam (FIB) Auriga 60 from Zeiss together with a six degree of freedom robot built with SmarAct components.
The diminutive tiny house was built by a team from the Femto-ST Institute in Besançon, France, using the new μRobotex nanofactory system. That setup utilizes a robotically-controlled ion gun and a gas injection system, operating within a large vacuum chamber, to assemble microstructures on the tips of optical fibers with extreme accuracy.
That is, if you want to be a nanorobotic architect, all you need to start your own projects is a large vacuum chamber, some ion guns, thin silica membranes, with a small robotic pilot for the nano-set sprayed on the top.
To better understand how the assembly process really works, visit full article in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A.
