Is there a standard method of moving multiple objects in any independent direction? Their position would have to be known and guided almost constantly. They need to move on a flat plane.
I can take almost any approach but the smaller the objects the better.
So far I've come up with/seen:
I can take almost any approach but the smaller the objects the better.
So far I've come up with/seen:
- a gang of cylindrically shaped micro robots. The robots can be tall, but not wide. I was looking at TinyCircuits to prototype these. Problem is they're not as precise as I would like and quadrature encoders take up a lot of space based on my experience. Plus the motors would have to be vertical and gear at 90 degrees. It seems possible, but a huge headache. Plus if they're too tall, they could fall over if they collide.
- something involving multiple rows and columns of belts and pulleys that move the objects. The issues I see with this is each object needs to move independently and there would be collisions.
- magnets above the plane that are moved from below the plane... somehow. I feel like there would be tangled wires with this solution.
- a matrix of solenoids. This isn't moving the objects, but it would accomplish the same thing. Problem with this one is the solenoids themselves would take up a lot of space and not provide much "physical resolution" per say. Maybe my assumption is wrong.