Micro-manipulation Interface that Presents Surface Force Tactile Sensation According to the Cell Deformation

Abstract

The microinjection technique is widely applied in fields such as biology, medicine, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Microinjection process requires special skill and, thus, generally ICSI is conducted by embryologists. However, the shortage of embryologists has become a problem in clinics, and there is a need for an easy injection system that does not rely on embryologists. In this study, we propose a micromanipulation interface that assists to perceive cell extension for easy injection system. The proposed interface provides 2-dimensional force/tactile feedback through a fabric actuator with air pressure based on real-time visual sensing of cell deformation. The effectiveness of the proposed interface is verified through puncturing experiments on perceiving cell extension perfumed by inexperienced subjects.