IEEE ICMA 2026 Conference

Plenary Talk III

Robotics and Automation in the Microscopic World for Biomedical Innovations

Fumihito Arai
Professor
Department of Bioengineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Tokyo
http://www.biorobotics.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index_e.html

Abstract:

In scientific research, there is a growing need for manipulation and automation of micro- and nano-scale objects. Particularly in the biomedical field, genetic analysis technology is advancing rapidly, and the objects to be analyzed are now at the single-cell level. For analytical purposes, this scale is frequently employed in scientific research, such as investigating unknown properties of living cells and tissues. It requires precise manipulation techniques that account for interactions with the fluid environment of the sample being analyzed. We are working on robotics to expand capabilities in the microscopic world for biomedical innovations. Micro-nano mechatronics plays a crucial role in enabling new functions. Based on this approach, we investigated new capabilities of integrating robotic and Micro-nano mechatronics and applied them to several tasks. We developed the associated technologies required for automating micro and nano works. Furthermore, microscopic manipulation is also crucial during tissue sampling within the body. For example, tissue sampling within the digestive system may be considered. This is closely related to the non-invasive surgical operations. In this talk, emerging robotic technologies that expand capabilities in the microscopic world, particularly in manipulation and automation at small scales in the biomedical field will be introduced.

Fumihito Arai is a full Professor of the Department of Bioengineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, at The University of Tokyo, Japan. He is mainly engaging in the research fields of bio-robotics, micro- and nano-robotics, micro- and nano-mechatronics, MEMS, and Biomedical applications. He received a Doctor of Engineering degree from Nagoya University in 1993. Since 1998, he has been an Associate Professor at Nagoya University. Since 2005, he has been a Professor at Tohoku University. Since 2010, he has been a Professor at Nagoya University. Since 2020, he has been a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Tokyo.