Technology

In March of 1973, the Six-Million Dollar Man TV series introduced the world to the possibility of a bionic man. What device made bionics a reality 20 years later?

MIRA: Mini Robot Completes Remote Surgical Simulation in Space

In a test that featured half a dozen surgeons from across the United States, a miniature robot successfully completed a surgical simulation aboard the International Space...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Surgery

It’s Heart Health Month! What procedure, first used in humans in a mere 22 years ago, has become a widely used treatment option for patients with aortic valve stenosis?

NOMINATIONS OPEN: RISING STAR AWARDS 2026

Home How to Enter Terms & Conditions Meet the Judges Hall of Stars Sponsors   Platinum Sponsors See all sponsors Women remain underrepresented in engineering, but...

News & Brews: Podcasters and Influencers Deliver On-Site News

IME West is hosting a never-before-seen dive into advanced manufacturing with its featured News and Brews Studio. Designed as a unique in-person news broadcast encompassing the...

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.

Unlocking Innovation in Small-Scale Fluid Control

As the demand for smaller, less intrusive — sometimes even wearable — products grow, engineers must meet these expectations without compromising on pump system performance.

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.

Technology

It’s Super Bowl time! What somewhat controversial technology has been embraced by the NFL to aid players in recovery from injuries?

Inside the OEM: Medtronic

With a focus on transformation, innovation, and portfolio management, Medtronic is well positioned for continued success and value creation in the dynamic medical technology landscape. Its commitment to shareholders, coupled with strategic guidance updates, underscores Medtronic's trajectory toward sustained growth and long-term value.

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on a pair of earbuds that can be turned into a tool to record the electrical activity of the brain as well as levels of lactate in the body, one on a non-invasive cancer treatment that uses ultrasound to break up tumors in the body, and more.

Parkinson's Disease: A Neuroprosthetic to Correct Walking Disorders

The scientists set out in detail the process of developing the neuroprosthetic that has allowed a first patient with Parkinson's to be treated, enabling him to walk comfortably, confidently and without falling.

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.

Surgery

What neurosurgery technique was inspired by a wine bottle opener?

New Products & Services

See the new products and services, including Dillon Manufacturing's claw jaws, mesh-morphing technology from RBF Morph, an eQMS from Sierra Labs, Qosina's stopcock manifold, Surface Solutions Group's sustainable coating, Zuken's design platform, and more.

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.

Vote for Medical Design Briefs 2023 Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

Vote for the 2023 Product of the Year.

Surgery

What device that was designed to assist in orthopedic procedures was the first of its kind?

Vander-Bend Mfg., Subsidiaries Combine and Rebrand as Vantedge Medical

Vander-Bend Manufacturing, Inc. and its subsidiaries including TMK Manufacturing , JL Haley, Swiss Precision Machining, and Omni Components have merged to become one...

Robot Offers Early Detection of Breast Cancer

A robotic device applies very specific forces over a range similar to forces used by human examiners and detects lumps using sensor technology at larger depths than before.

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: a micro diaphragm gas pump from KNF Neuberger.

New Products & Services

Supercapacitor Modules Double-layer, series-connected electrochemical supercapacitor modules are now available from Kyocera AVX, Fountain Inn, SC. The new SCM Series modules can be used by themselves or in conjunction...

Closer to the Patient: Miniaturization of Point-of-Care Testing Devices

The global market for both point-of-care testing instruments and home-use medical devices is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decades. To meet this demand, developers will continue to design products that are smaller, less complex, and easier to use.

Inside the OEM: Intuitive Surgical

For nearly three decades, Intuitive Surgical has been a leader in robotic-assisted surgical systems. The company is driven by creating a healthcare future that is less invasive and where diseases are identified early and treated quickly. As a mature company, Intuitive is focusing on adoption of its systems.

MESI 4.0 Summit: Enabling Digital Transformation and Fueling Growth

During an eventful week, manufacturing experts from across the globe congregated at the Alfândega Congress Center, a unique venue nearby Douro river, for Critical...