SBIR Phase I: A Remote Positioning and Cutting Tool (RPACT-1)

The technology development that is proposed in this program is of critical interest to major semiconductor manufacturers, as well as all other semiconductor manufacturers working on advanced integrated circuits. The needed tools must have nanoscale resolution and a probe geometry capable of working in milled cavities due to the complex packaging schemes. For the nation, it means faster introduction of advanced electronics that will have a broad impact across all industries and ultimately improve quality of life and labor productivity. The broader (commercial) impact of this project will be a tool for enlarging sculpture to gain a commercial advantage as technology encroaches in art markets. Art enriches the fabric of society. This RPACT-1 project will create opportunities for art fabricators to produce architectural size sculpture customized to specific sites and smaller budgets. RPACT-1 represents a new cable-suspended passive robotic device designed for a human operator. RPACT-1 is a positive contribution to the low mass parallel manipulator technology. It implements a new active cable tensioning approach to ensure positive cable tension.