At the University of Ulm, researchers are analysing how living lung cells respond to mechanical stimulation. Cells are grown on an elastic membrane, into which the arms of a microgripper can penetrate. Once in place, the microgripper can be used to apply various stretching amplitudes and frequencies to the cell and response in the form of released surfactants is detected using fluorescent dye. This technique requires a stable and accurate positioning system as well as a robust, programmable and highly precise microgripper.