Foster-Miller's micromanipulator uses innovative force feedback to technicians performing microscopic tasks such as injecting genetic material into a single cell. The manipulator is a flexible and intuitive device with a micrometer size force sensor next to the microscopic tip. Force is amplified electromechanically to the joystick handled by the technician who can actually feel the manipulator moving through cell walls and other biological material.  We refer to this type of feedback system as a cooperative robot, combining the analytical abilities of a computer and the intelligence of a human. The AMS is a significant improvement over present manual systems that rely on visual feedback alone.  Foster-Miller is continuing development of the micromanipulator in conjunction with the Steady Hand robot at Johns Hopkins University.

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