Assistive Robotics

Exoskeleton Device Helps Stroke Victims Regain Hand Function

Working closely with users and therapists, researchers have developed a light and easy-to-attach hand exoskeleton for people unable to grasp objects following a stroke or...

Advanced Motor Technology Enables Medical Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation

The primary aim for Harmonic Bionics is to empower patients and care providers by designing intelligent technology that facilitated a data-driven treatment protocol...

Project Awarded $3M for Assistive Robotics and Wearable Tech Research

Harvard and Boston University have been awarded a grant of $3 million from the State House to support the development of next-generation robotics and wearable...

Robotic Hand Has Gecko-Inspired Grip

A new robotic hand grasps a wide variety of items, including raw eggs.

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.

The Advancement of Minimally Invasive Device Design

Despite the growth in MIS advancements over the last two decades, these techniques are still in their adolescence. There is much room for growth.

Stepping Up Emergency Medical Production with Robotics

Infiplast, a plastics company for medical devices, was asked to design, prototype, test, and manufacture a critical component for ventilators.

First Steerable Catheter Developed for Brain Surgery

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

Show Preview: MD&M West

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

Summer 2021 Resource Guide

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

Is a Medical Robot Really a Robot?

There are no true "medical robots," says an industry expert. Here's why.

Designing Rugged Myoelectric Interfaces for Highly Functional Prosthetics

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

2020 Product Buyer's Guide

In our 2020 Product Buyer's Guide, you'll find a list of manufacturers in more than a dozen medical-device areas.

Robotic Muscles Could Turn Back Body Clock by 2050

A new project will explore how artificial muscles could radically transform treatment options in the future and effectively turn back the body clock. emPOWER robotic muscles will be...

Optical Tracking System Helps Improve Exoskeleton Fit

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new measurement method to test whether an exoskeleton and the person wearing it are moving smoothly and in harmony.

Robotic Arm Helps Perform Delicate Surgeries

Sending small electrical currents to the fingertips of someone operating a robotic arm can help surgeons during robot-assisted procedures.

Researchers Incorporate Computer Vision, Uncertainty into AI for Robotic Prosthetics

The software enables people using robotic prosthetics to walk in a more natural manner on different types of terrain.

Getting a Grip: An Innovative Mechanical Controller Design for Robot-Assisted Surgery

The new design combines both pinch and power grips.

Electronic Skin for Haptic Interfaces Is Light, Tight, and Battery Free

A system of “electronic skin-integrated haptic interfaces” jointly developed by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and other academic institutions can help users...

Medical Design Briefs: 2019 Technology Leaders

Learn about 2019's stand-out manufacturers and cutting-edge applications in special metals, coatings, robotics, and more.

Embedding Artificial Muscles into Soft Materials

Stretchable skin-like robots that can be rolled up and put in your pocket have been developed by a team using a new way of embedding artificial muscles and electrical adhesion into soft...

Researchers Explore How Artificial Muscles Work

Artificial muscles will power the soft robots and wearable devices of the future. But more needs to be understood about the underlying mechanics of these powerful structures in order to...

A Smart Artificial Hand for Amputees Merges User and Robotic Control

EPFL scientists are developing new approaches for improved control of robotic hands — in particular for amputees — that combines individual finger control and...

Electronic Glove Offers Humanlike Features for Prosthetic Hands

An electronic glove can be worn over a prosthetic hand to provide humanlike softness, warmth, appearance and sensory perception, such as the ability to sense pressure,...

Harvesting Energy from the Human Knee

An energy harvester attached to the wearer’s knee can generate 1.6 μW of power while the wearer walks without any increase in effort. The energy is enough to power small electronics like health...

Multitasking Exoskeleton for Rehab

A new multitasking exoskeleton can be used for any of an entire arm’s eight movements that originate from the shoulder, elbow, or wrist joints. Detachable parts allow the therapist to focus on a...