Automated small-scale devices and robotic systems for analyzing the cellular impact of ambient aerosol particles

In response to emerging threats associated with natural disasters, environmental pollution, and infectious diseases, the detrimental influences of airborne aerosols on humans have been investigated at the cellular level. Especially, intensive efforts have been devoted to system automation in order to enhance the efficiency, precision, and machine intelligence of aerosol cytotoxicity analysis. In this context, we combine the concepts of small-size automated and robotic platforms used for monitoring the harmful effects of aerosols. A conceptual framework is provided with a focus on mobile and field-deployable platforms that enable automated operation of (bio-)engineered systems on-site. Particular attention is given to the principles of biomimetic device design and the underlying physical and engineering mechanisms, to provide a system-level estimation on the complete "source-to-effect" workflow. In view of workflow integration, additional emphasis is placed on data acquisition and processing, as well as the extension of these technologies to autonomous system-supported environmental health applications.