The aim of this paper is to define role and added value of force feedback in executing microassembly tasks, as well as to demonstrate microsystem technology based sensing devices which allow registering the relevant forces. In executing microassembly processes useful forces to sense are the grasping force, i.e. the force with which the object is gripped, and the interaction force, i.e. the force resulting from the interaction of the gripped object with the environment. Based on a general assembly process analysis, the requirements for force sensing are defined. Next, devices are shown which allow the identification of the contact forces and object positions.@en

The study addressed the problem of selecting the appropriate microassembly techniques according to the micro-part features. Actually, in the micro-domain, the choice of the correct assembly technique is highly dependent on the micro-part characteristics such as shape, geometry and material. Approach: Since there was an incomplete and unstructured knowledge about the micro-assembly, the study proposed a Decision Support System (DSS) as solution for assisting the designer in the correct selection of the most suitable micro-assembly strategies. The first step was establishing a structured correlation between micro-assembly techniques and part features. In particular the phases grasping and releasing were adopted as test-study for their importance in the microassembly process. The second step was the set up of a multistage model for the selection of the grasping-releasing technique and the implementation of the model in an Expert System as a set of rules. Results: The DSS was tested on some common micro-parts producing a scored list of selected grasping-releasing methods. Conclusion: The DSS proved quite valuable in the selection and the scoring of the micro-assembly principles that suit specific applications.@en