From the Editor — Report: 2021 an ‘Average Year’ for Medtech with Strong M&A and an Active FDA

A new report from research firm Evaluate gives the medtech industry a fair grade for its performance in 2021.

Technology Responds Swiftly to Worldwide Pandemics

The products that help stop the spread of communicable diseases range from simple to sophisticated.

First Steerable Catheter Developed for Brain Surgery

The device was inspired by nature, specifically insect legs and flagella.

Soft Microrobots Demonstrate Potential for Targeted Drug Delivery

Tiny tumbling soft robots that can be controlled with rotating magnetic fields can climb slopes, tumble upstream against fluid flow, and deposit substances at precise...

Actuator Discovery Could Improve Biomedical Robotics

Researchers are reporting a breakthrough in the field of materials science and engineering with the development of an electrochemical actuator that uses specialized organic...

Robotics-Driven ‘White Cane’ Guides Users to Desired Location

Equipped with a color 3D camera, an inertial measurement sensor, and its own on-board computer, a newly improved robotic cane could offer blind and visually impaired users...

New Products: Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West

Touchless switches, biocompatible adhesives, 3D-printing materials, and more.

Show Preview: MD&M West

MD&M West brings together medtech engineers, business leaders, and innovative thinkers to create life-changing medical devices.

Automation in Electronics Manufacturing Enables Better Patient Care

Automation removes the possibility of human error in high-precision or repetitive processes.

Inflatable, Shape-Changing Spinal Implants Could Help Treat Severe Pain

The device uses soft robotics, ultra-thin electronics, and microfluidics.

Product Focus (July 2021): Molding

CT software, electric robot, molding material, and more.

Sense of Touch Improves Control of Robotic Arm

A team of has demonstrated how adding brain stimulation evokes tactile sensations that make it easier for the operator to manipulate a brain-controlled robotic arm. In their experiment,...

Soft Robotics: High-Performance Artificial Muscle Technology

Researchers have devleoped a new, high-performance artificial muscle technology that enables more human-like motion due to its flexibility and adaptability but outperforms...

First Human Use of High-Bandwidth Wireless Brain-Computer Interface

For the first time, BrainGate clinical trial participants with tetraplegia have demonstrated use of an intracortical wireless BCI with an external wireless transmitter....

Engineers Combine AI and Wearable Cameras in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons

Using sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, newly developed exoskeleton legs capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own....

Summer 2021 Resource Guide

Our 2021 Resource Guide shows you the top manufacturers in materials, manufacturing, and a range of other medical-device categories.

New Products & Services: May 2021 Medical Design Briefs

Barcode readers, risk-management software, servo drives, and more.

Immersive Mixed Reality: Moving Automation Technologies to the Cloud

See how immersive mixed reality has helped medtech manufacturers maintain factory output despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Product Focus: Fluid Handling 2021

A robotic dispensing system and three kinds of valves.

Origami-Inspired Medical Patch Seals Internal Injuries

The patch can be folded around surgical tools.

System Turns Soft Robots Rigid on Demand

Working with computer simulations, researchers have developed a concept for a soft-bodied robot that can turn rigid on demand. The approach could enable a new generation of robots that combine the...

Sensing Robots Developed to Monitor Patients

Robots that could take on basic healthcare tasks to support the work of doctors and nurses may be the way of the future. Who knows, maybe a medical robot can prescribe your medicine someday?...

Magnetic Spray Transforms Objects into Millirobots for Biomedical Applications

Researchers have developed an easy way to make millirobots by coating objects with a glue-like magnetic spray. Driven by the magnetic field, the coated...

Flexible Screen-Printed Rechargeable Battery

The device can be used in flexible, stretchable electronics for wearables as well as soft robotics.

Tapping the Brain to Boost Stroke Rehabilitation

A brain-machine interface coupled with robot offers increased benefits for stroke survivors.

Surgical Robotics: The Art of Saving Costs with Cables

Learn about the motion-control options that give robot makers a wider stride than their competitors.

Designing Rugged Myoelectric Interfaces for Highly Functional Prosthetics

New sensors and high-performance microwiring are extending the performance of active myoelectric prosthetics.

Metal and Plastic Microrobots Interlock

The two materials are interlocked as closely as links in a chain.