Interest in developing novel products which utilize various natural fibres is increasing in academia and industry. Mechanical properties of a fibre product depend on the structural architecture, mechanical properties of the constituents and their interface properties. Thus, in order to improve the mechanical properties of the end-product, it is of utmost importance to improve the mechanical properties of the building blocks and their interfaces as well as to understand the influence of the structure.Microrobotics refers to the use of robotic methods and equipment for precise manipulation and characterization of objects, such as natural fibres, at the microscale. Microrobotic techniques are widely used for assembling microparts and handling living cells, making them well-suited for fibre characterization.Traditional fibre characterization methods involve labor-intensive manual processes, high variability in results, and insufficient throughput. To overcome these limitations, automatic microrobotic technologies have been developed, significantly improving the speed and reliability of fibre property measurements. Recent advancements include automated techniques for assessing the tensile strength of individual pulp fibres, evaluating microfibril angle, and measuring the interfacial shear strength of fibre-matrix interfaces.This presentation will highlight the benefits and current progress of applying microrobotic methods to natural fibre characterization. By leveraging automation, we can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of fibre property measurements, and thus, promote fibre-based material development.
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