Application Cases

【Overview】
In this study, the ATA-2022B high-voltage amplifier was used to build a test system for a micro-piezoelectric robot navigating in confined pipe environments. The study introduces an ultrasonic microrobot (weight, 80 mg; dimensions, 24 mm × 7 mm; thickness, 210 μm) designed to achieve flexible and bidirectional navigation in narrow pipes. The ultra-thin structural design of the robot is realized through a high-performance piezoelectric composite thin-film microstructure based on MEMS technology. When driven by ultrasonic frequency signals, the robot exhibits multiple vibration modes, achieving motion speeds of up to 81 cm/s at a frequency of 54.8 kHz, surpassing the fastest piezoelectric microrobot reported to date. The forward and backward directions can be controlled by frequency modulation, and the minimum driving voltage required for initial movement is as low as 3 Vp-p. Additionally, the robot can easily climb slopes of up to 24.25° and carry loads exceeding 36 times its own weight. The robot can navigate flexibly through curved L-shaped pipes, pipes made of various materials (acrylic, stainless steel, and PVC), and even move on water surfaces. To further demonstrate its inspection capability, a micro-endoscope camera was integrated into the robot, enabling real-time image capture inside glass pipes.

Experiment Name: Research on High-Speed Bidirectional Navigation Micro-Piezoelectric Robot in Confined Pipe Environments

Research Direction: Micro-Piezoelectric Robot

Experimental Content:
A miniature robot composed of a high-performance piezoelectric composite film was designed. The robot weighs only 0.08 g and has a thickness of only 210 μm. Owing to its ultra-thin structural advantages and piezoelectric performance, when driven by ultrasonic frequencies, the robot can achieve rapid bidirectional navigation in narrow pipes with diameters ranging from 9 mm to 27 mm. The robot requires a driving voltage of only 3 Vpp to achieve stable motion and excels in climbing slopes (24.25°) and carrying loads (exceeding 36 times its own weight). It can also move flexibly through curved L-shaped pipes, pipes of different materials, and water surfaces. Finally, a micro-camera was installed on the robot to record its navigation motion inside glass pipes in real time.

Testing Equipment:
Signal generator, ATA-2022B high-voltage amplifier, oscilloscope, Doppler laser vibrometer, high-precision digital multimeter, optical camera, etc.

Experimental Procedure:

Figure 1: Experimental Test System Setup

In the ultrasonic drive frequency range, the micro-piezoelectric robot exhibits complex high-order motion modes. Through contact friction with the pipe inner wall, the robot achieves rapid motion. When the drive frequency is changed, the motion mode also changes, further altering the robot's motion direction within the pipe. To further investigate the motion performance of the microrobot, a testing platform was built using a signal generator, ATA-2022B high-voltage amplifier, oscilloscope, and optical camera.

Experimental Results:

Figure: Experimental Results

Experimental measurements revealed that when the drive frequency was 48 kHz, the microrobot exhibited backward motion inside the pipe. When the frequency was switched to 54.8 kHz, the robot moved forward. When the pipe type was changed (curved pipes and pipes of different materials), the robot maintained the ability to achieve bidirectional high-speed motion by adjusting the drive frequency. Finally, the robot's ability to move quickly on water surfaces was demonstrated.

Advantages of Aigtek Amplifiers in This Application:

1. Wideband coverage and high-frequency response – Provides the core technical support for achieving bidirectional navigation through frequency switching.

2. High voltage output and low distortion – Ensures the driving capability for climbing slopes and carrying heavy loads.

3. Digitally adjustable precision gain and real-time monitoring – Supports fine motion control and ensures experimental data reliability.

Recommended Product: ATA-2022B High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-2022B High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications and Parameters