Magnetic Field Control Using an Electromagnetic Actuation System with Combined Air-Core and Metal-Core Coils

Abstract

Magnetic fields are widely utilized for remote control of magnetic objects, with various actuation systems developed for manipulating miniature robots in research and biomedical applications. When designing a manipulation system providing a uniform magnetic field, it is also important to consider both the accessibility of the workspace and the integration of imaging tools. This article presents an electromagnetic coil system that manipulates magnetic objects within a 3D space, enhancing the magnetic field in an upward orientation. The system includes eight metal-core coils arranged hemispherically to ensure unimpeded access to the workspace and imaging tools, along with two air-core coils. Easier control and repeatability of the magnetic field are achieved using two joysticks and sequential programming. The versatility of the system is demonstrated by using it to manipulate a magnetic guidewire and to guide micromagnets to various targets. Additionally, using this system, oscillating magnetic fields effectively control swarms of magnetic nanoparticles, enabling operations such as dispersion, assembly, and ribbon-like shape formation. Furthermore, the manipulation of cell-based microrobots (cell-bots) showcases the system's capability to handle single and multiple cell-bots, facilitating their collection while preserving cell viability. These experiments underscore the system's potential for fundamental biomedical research and various applications. © 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Intelligent Systems published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.