High-Precision Robots and Micro Assembly

The paper gives a survey of high-precision robots used in micro assembly tasks. After an introduc-tion, discussing briefly the developments in micro production technology, different approaches to meet the requirements of accuracy are described. The accuracy of robots can be increased e.g. by choosing an adequate kinematic structure. But also the development of size adapted handling de-vices, the integration of ultra-precision machine elements, and integrated sensor guidance are promising methods. For some of these approaches examples are given, which were developed at the Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology, Braunschweig.