Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of for conducting various biological assays on arrays utilizing electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD). The systems and methods may process the biological sample, or plurality thereof, using at least one droplet. The droplet, or plurality thereof, may be manipulated using the systems and methods described herein. Further described herein are improvements to arrays for facilitating the execution of biological assays on the arrays.

Abstract: A system of flexural, actuating, and semiconducting elements of part-types necessary to assemble actuated robotic systems. These parts are joined with a common interface, interlocking with neighboring parts to form a regular lattice structure. Primary considerations for the design of the part interfaces include ease of assembly and the ability to transfer mechanical loads and electronic signals to neighboring parts. The parts are designed to be assembled vertically so structures can he built incrementally one part at a time. They can be easily fabricated at a range of length-scales using a variety of two-dimensional manufacturing processes. These processes include, for example, stamping and laminating, which enable high-throughput production. The simple mechanical interfaces between parts also enable disassembly allowing for reconfigurability and reuse. The interlocking nature of these assemblies allows loads to be distributed through many parallel load-paths.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: A system and method for producing discretely assembled logic blocks where the logic block assemblies are a 3-dimensional representation of the normal digital design hierarchy. The blocks contain embedded logical functions that are built up from only a few basic 2-dimensional parts that are assembled into a 3-dimensional structure that realizes a particular logic or computing element. These structures can be combined to produce more complex digital structures and even processors. The two basic structural parts are a node and a strut with the strut typically including an embedded logic function. These are combined to produce spatially distributed structures.

Abstract: A system and method for producing discretely assembled logic blocks where the logic block assemblies are a 3-dimensional representation of the normal digital design hierarchy. The blocks contain embedded logical functions that are built up from only a few basic 2-dimensional parts that are assembled into a 3-dimensional structure that realizes a particular logic or computing element. These structures can be combined to produce more complex digital structures and even processors. The two basic structural parts are a node and a strut with the strut typically including an embedded logic function. These are combined to produce spatially distributed structures.

Abstract: A system of flexural, actuating, and semiconducting elements of part-types necessary to assemble actuated robotic systems. These parts are joined with a common interface, interlocking with neighboring parts to form a regular lattice structure. Primary considerations for the design of the part interfaces include ease of assembly and the ability to transfer mechanical loads and electronic signals to neighboring parts. The parts are designed to be assembled vertically so structures can he built incrementally one part at a time. They can be easily fabricated at a range of length-scales using a variety of two-dimensional manufacturing processes. These processes include, for example, stamping and laminating, which enable high-throughput production. The simple mechanical interfaces between parts also enable disassembly allowing for reconfigurability and reuse. The interlocking nature of these assemblies allows loads to be distributed through many parallel load-paths.

Abstract: An alternative to additive manufacturing is disclosed, introducing an end-to-end workflow in which discrete building blocks are reversibly joined to produce assemblies called digital materials. Described is the design of the bulk-material building blocks and the devices that are assembled from them. Detailed is the design and implementation of an automated assembler, which takes advantage of the digital material structure to avoid positioning errors within a large tolerance. To generate assembly sequences, a novel CAD/CAM workflow is described for designing, simulating, and assembling digital materials. The structures assembled using this process have been evaluated, showing that the joints perform well under varying conditions and that the assembled structures are functionally precise.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: Discrete motion systems move relative to a lattice, using bistable mechanisms to snap between lattice locations. A discrete motion system includes a lattice having a regular configuration of attachment points, one or more motion modules that move across the lattice in discrete increments, and controllers that direct the modules. A module includes a body, actuators, and feet having mechanisms for attaching and detaching the module from the lattice. The module may include actuated joints that cause movement of arm structures to engage and disengage the feet from the lattice. The module may be a digital inchworm, and may be a relative assembler having at least one assembler arm. A method for discrete extensible construction includes creating a lattice having a regular configuration of attachment points, causing a discrete motion relative assembler to systematically move across the lattice in discrete increments, and causing placement of materials by the assembler arm.

Abstract: Electromagnetic digital materials are made up of a set of voxels, some of which are made from electromagnetically active materials. Each voxel is adapted to be assembled into a structure according to a regular physical geometry and an electromagnetic geometry, and a majority of the voxels in the set are reversibly connectable to other voxels. Voxels in the set may differ in material composition or property from other voxels in the set. Voxels may be arranged into multi-voxel parts that are assembled into the structure according to a regular physical geometry and the electromagnetic geometry. Electromagnetic structures may be made from the electromagnetic digital material, and may be fabricated by an automated process that includes assembling a set of voxels by reversibly connecting the voxels to each other according to a regular physical geometry and an electromagnetic geometry and assembling the reversibly connected voxels into the electromagnetic structure.