Our research group develops microrobotic technologies for manipulating, testing, imaging, and characterizing materials and structures at micro- and nano-scales. Combining robotics, machine vision, precision actuation, sensing, and automation, we create tools that enable quantitative studies of natural fibres, fibre interfaces, advanced materials, and biological specimens. Developed in close collaboration with experts in materials science and robotics, and industrial partners, these technologies support research on sustainable fibre-based materials, composites, manufacturing processes, and biomedical applications.
Microrobotic Technologies for Mechanical Material Testing
- Micromechanical testing methods for surgical sutures (Vakhitov et al., 2026)
- In-situ SEM micropillar compression and nanoindentation testing technologies (Cherukuri et al., 2024)
Fibre Interface Characterization Technologies
- High-throughput microbond testing platform for fibre-matrix interfaces (Laurikainen et al., 2020; Laurikainen et al., 2018)
- How a thin polymer film formed during polymer droplet formation on fibres affects composite interface measurements (Dsouza et al., 2024)
- Local-strain measurement technology for fibre-matrix interfaces in the microbond method (Dsouza et al., 2021; Dsouza et al., 2020; Dsouza et al., 2020)
- Microbond-based characterization of basalt fibre surface modifications (Valentini et al., 2025; Pozueco et al., 2024)
- Micro-peel testing platform for fibre-polymer interface characterization (Zubair et al., 2026)
- Quantitative adhesion measurement technologies using colloidal probe methods (Lai et al., 2025; Lai et al., 2019)
Microrobotic Manipulation and Handling Technologies
- Automated microgripping technologies for manipulating individual natural fibres (Chevallier et al., 2025; Chevallier et al., 2024)
- Automated microrobotic manipulation of fibre-fibre bonds (Hirvonen et al., 2015)
- Robotic software frameworks for automated manipulation of individual natural fibres (von Essen et al., 2014)
- Vacuum-assisted release technology for microrobotic fibre handling (Lai et al., 2014)
- Microrobotic system for measuring fibre-fibre bond strength at multiple loading rates (Latifi et al., 2015)
- Flexible microrobotic platform for handling microscale fibrous specimens (Saketi et al., 2012)
- Microrobotic platform for fibre flexibility measurements (Saketi et al., 2010)
Microrobotic Imaging and Vision-based Measurement Technologies for Fibre Studies
- Microfibril angle characterization methodologies for plant fibres (Richely et al., 2023; Hirvonen et al., 2014)
- Three-dimensional fibre reconstruction methods on microrobotic platforms (Hirvonen et al., 2016; Hirvonen et al., 2015)
- Specialized illumination systems for microrobotic fibre studies (Hirvonen et al., 2014)
- Automated contact-angle measurement system for individual fibres (Hirvonen et al., 2016; Saketi et al., 2014)
Microforce Sensors and Actuator Technologies
- PVDF microforce sensor for fibre-fibre bond strength measurements (Saketi et al., 2015)
- Microspring-based microforce sensing systems for microrobotic applications (Saketi et al.,2015)
- Current-controlled piezoelectric actuator systems for precision microrobotics (Ronkanen et al., 2011; Ronkanen et al., 2007; Ronkanen et al., 2002)
- MANIPEN micromanipulator with piezoelectric benders (Kallio et al., 2006)
- Soft-robotic piezohydraulic parallel micromanipulator for precision positioning (Kallio et al., 1998; Kallio et al., 1998; Zhou et al., 1999)
Biomedical Microrobotic Technologies
- Automated microinjection systems for living adherent cells (Kallio et al., 2007; Kallio & Kuncová-Kallio, 2006; Viigipuu et al., 2004)
- Electrical contact detection methods for cellular microinjection (Lukkari et al., 2004)
- Electric impedance-assisted micropipette aspiration technologies (Kovanen et al., 2007)
- Microrobotic tissue and stem-cell colony microcutting technologies (Hirvonen et al., 2008)