3D Printed Active Fabric

Scientists have developed an innovative wearable fabric that is flexible but can stiffen on demand. Developed through a combination of geometric design, 3D printing, and robotic control, the new technology, RoboFabric, can quickly be made into medical devices or soft robotics. Read on to learn more about it.

How Precision Motion Components Enable Successful Robotic Surgery Outcomes

Mitigating robotic surgery risks often comes down to the precision and performance of your motion components. That’s why it’s important to work with a motion component manufacturer that is known for quality products with these attributes. Read on to learn more.

Highly Conductive Sensors for Wearables

To advance soft robotics, skin-integrated electronics, and biomedical devices, researchers have developed a 3D-printed material that is soft and stretchable — traits needed for matching the properties of tissues and organs — and that self-assembles. Read on to learn more.

AI-Powered Exoskeleton Helps Restores Mobility

A new method leverages AI and computer simulations to train robotic exoskeletons that can help users save energy while walking, running, and climbing stairs. The novel method rapidly develops exoskeleton controllers to assist locomotion without relying on lengthy human-involved experiments. Read on to learn more.

Robotic Therapy Improves Tremor Treatment

Researchers have developed SPINDLE, a pioneering robotic rehabilitation system. Combining virtual reality (VR) with customized resistance training, SPINDLE offers personalized therapy to enhance strength and dexterity for activities of daily living (ADLs). Read on to learn more about SPINDLE.

Toward a New Era in Flexible Piezoelectric Sensors for Both Humans and Robots

A research team from Shinshu University, Japan, decided to improve flexible piezoelectric sensor design using a well-established manufacturing technique: electrospinning. Read on to learn more about it.

How Medical Robotics Is Transforming Healthcare

In this Q&A, Graysen Vigneux, medical analyst at GlobalData, explores how AI and machine learning are playing crucial roles in enhancing the precision and safety of these devices, enabling remote surgeries, and providing real-time assistance during operations.

Why Frameless Motors Are at the Forefront of the Surgical Robotic Revolution

With the never-ending advancement in surgical robotics, it is important to recognize the difficult balance between improving performance, commercial value, integration, and compatibility challenges. Read on to learn more.

Linear Motion Design Considerations for Medical Device OEMs

Medical device designers must consider several factors when selecting the appropriate technologies and evaluating their development partners. Read on to learn what these factors are and more.

Robotic Exoskeleton Helps Stroke Patients

New research pushes forward the bounds of stroke recovery with a unique robotic hip exoskeleton, designed as a training tool to improve walking function. This invites the possibility of new therapies...

A Miniaturized Robotic-Assisted Surgery System

The goal of Virtual Incision is to offer a way for facilities to add systems and improve their efficiency without disrupting their existing infrastructure. To do this, the company designed and manufactured MIRA, the world’s first miniaturized RAS platform that aims to be easily transported and set up in any operating room.

Microneedle Patch Helps People Control Robotic Exoskeletons

Engineers from Korea and the United States have developed a wearable, stretchy patch that could help to bridge the divide between people and machines — and with benefits for the health of humans around the world.

Research Could Advance Soft Robotics Manufacturing, Design

A team of Rice University researchers has developed an analytical model that can predict the curing time of platinum-catalyzed silicone elastomers as a function of temperature. The model could help reduce energy waste and improve throughput for elastomer-based components manufacturing.

Designing the Right Motor to Enhance Surgical Robot Precision

This article highlights the steps designers should take when specifying their motor and motion system for use in surgical robot applications.

Robotic Rehab Helps Stroke Patients Regain Hand Dexterity

An assistive planar robot includes a cutting-edge closed-loop feedback system to monitor the muscle and brain activity of the user in order to trigger the execution of reach and grab in an adaptive way.

Squishy, Metal-Free Magnets to Power Robots and Guide Medical Implants

Creating robots from flexible materials allows them to contort in unique ways, handle delicate objects, and explore places that other robots cannot. More rigid robots would be crushed by the deep ocean’s pressure or could damage sensitive tissues in the human body, for example.

Soft Robotic, Wearable Device Improves Walking for Individual with Parkinson’s

Researchers have used a soft, wearable robot to help a person living with Parkinson’s walk without freezing. The robotic garment, worn around the hips and thighs, gives a gentle push to the hips as the leg swings, helping the patient achieve a longer stride.

AI Helps Advance Assistive Robotics

Developing assistive robots is a challenging research area, especially when integrating these systems into human environments such as homes and hospitals. To tackle these challenges, the Human-Machine Interaction & Innovation (HMI2) Lab at Santa Clara University is creating a versatile intelligent robot.

The Contribution of Medical Robotics to Human Wellbeing

In May 2023, a class of tiny, self-propelled robots were designed in the United States that can slip into a human body and may one day deliver prescribed drugs to hard-to-reach parts of the body. The team of developers at the University of Colorado Boulder aims to make the robot fully biodegradable one day, so that it eventually would dissolve in the body.

Shape-Shifting Robotic Catheter Could Make Heart Surgery Safer

A beating heart makes for a formidable surgical arena, but a new robotic catheter could someday equip surgeons to operate in the cardiac environment with greater ease.

Soft Robotic System for Brain Surgery

Researchers have laid the groundwork for a soft robotic tool and control system that could grant surgeons an unprecedented degree of maneuverability within the brain.

From Ventilators to Surgical Robotics: Bearing Design Considerations for Medical Devices

Selecting suitable bearings for medical devices is crucial in ensuring their reliability and performance. Factors such as material choice, lubrication, precision and noise levels, and protection from contamination should be carefully considered to meet the demanding requirements of the healthcare industry.

Soft Robotic System Streamlines Brain Surgery

Researchers have laid the groundwork for a soft robotic tool and control system that could grant surgeons an unprecedented degree of maneuverability within the brain. A recent study demonstrates that the new system is both intuitive and highly accurate.

Assembly Technology for Next-Generation Robot-Assisted Surgery Systems and Instruments

The experience of technology providers in developing minimally invasive surgical instruments and RAS systems assembly offers significant advantages for the leading manufacturers of robot-assisted surgical systems.

Robotic Pill Safely Delivers Injectable Osteoporosis Drug

A proven and effective medication for osteoporosis, which is currently only available as an injection, can be administered orally using a novel “robotic pill,” according to a...

New Class of Microrobots Could Travel in the Body

A team of engineers has designed a new class of tiny, self-propelled robots that can zip through liquid at incredible speeds — and may one day even deliver prescription drugs to hard-to-reach...

Increasing Throughput and Inspection Information with Automated 3D Scanning Technology

Formed in 2005, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions is a medical device manufacturer providing contract manufacturing services for orthopedic procedures to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other companies within the orthopedic industry.

Enchanted Tools: Revolutionizing Robotics with Mirokai

How can we fully integrate robots into our daily lives in the near future? This challenge is currently being addressed by French startup Enchanted Tools.

Linear Motion Design Considerations for Medical Device OEMs

Linear actuators — in particular, electromechanical linear actuators — have become integral components of modern medical devices because of their high precision, accuracy, and ability to deliver repeatable motion control.