A computer-controlled micro tribotester has been developed to investigate the friction and wear characteristics of thin coatings, which can be applied to silicon-based materials. In the developed system, a step motor gives a reciprocating movement and an electromagnet applies a load between a ball and a plate specimen. Test results confirmed that the application of load in the range of $0.03{sim}1.8N$ and with a sliding speed of $4.44{sim}7.70mm/s$ was successfully accomplished. Advantages of the developed micro tribotester are: (1) realization of micro load and displacement applicable to micro electromechanical systems(MEMS) using DC motor and electromagnet (2) continuously variable load and reciprocating speed; and (3) high reliability, which allows for unattended use for long periods.