Robotics & Automation

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: COMSOL's version 6.4 of its COMSOL Multiphysics simulation platform with expanded NVIDIA GPU acceleration for large, coupled models.

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on using microfluidic devices for gene therapy; one on resisting antibiotic resistance; one on a humanoid robot surgeon; and more.

MD&M West Show Preview

Returning to Anaheim this February, MD&M West 2026 brings the global medical device community together for three days of engineering insight, manufacturing expertise, and technology breakthroughs. As one of the largest gatherings of medtech professionals in North America, the event showcases the full spectrum of product development. Read on to learn all about it.

Automation: How Custom Motion Control Transforms Medical Equipment Design

In today’s medical equipment market, reliability is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Every adjustment, every movement, and every interaction with the equipment must be performed flawlessly to ensure patient safety, caregiver efficiency, and long-term service life. Behind this design and precision are highly engineered motion control components. Read on to learn more.

Stryker Partners with Siemens Healthineers to Advance Robotic Neurovascular Interventions

Siemens Healthineers and Stryker have entered into a strategic partnership in the field of neurovascular robotics. The collaboration aims to develop a...

Automation, Robotics, and AI Integration in Medical Manufacturing

AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance, and process optimization are improving efficiency and reducing costs in medical manufacturing.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including TechniQuip's solid-state fiber optic unit for multi-channel fluorescence microscopy and life science applications; PI's expanded piezo stack actuator series with the launch of encapsulated actuators; Turbo Fil's standalone, servocontrolled ceramic vial filler system; and more.

Autonomous Surgery: Engineering the Next Generation of Surgical Robots

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University recently demonstrated the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR), completing eight consecutive gallbladder removal procedures on ex vivo tissue without human intervention. Medical Design Briefs spoke with Axel Krieger, PhD, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins and senior author of the study, about the system’s architecture, safeguards, and future applications.

Six Winners Announced for the 2025 Women in Engineering: Rising Star Awards

SAE Media Group announced the winners of its Rising Star Awards: Women in Engineering program today during a live online event attended by participants across the globe.

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: Amada Press System’s WH-2A, a 13-axis CNC dual-point coiling machine designed for ultra-fine wire coil processing for medical guidewire formation.

Product Focus: Fluid Handling/Pumps/Valves

See where the product focus is this month: Fluid handling, pumps, and valves, including Clippard's isolation valves with a hit-and-hold option; Raumedic AG's expanded portfolio of biopharmaceutical transfer tubing; Festo's expanded line of compact grippers; and more.

Microrobots Navigate Complex Biological Environments

Fabricated with a gel side for carrying drugs and a magnetic side for steering, researchers have developed microrobots that can navigate complex biological environments like intestines....

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on the “Robot Eyes” project; one on how researchers have found an unusual ally in the quest to make cancer diagnosis faster, more accurate, and more accessible worldwide: the Morpho butterfly; one on advances in AI and biocomputational models aiming to revolutionize the drug development process; and more.

The Evolving Role of Robotics in Healthcare

Listen to these podcasts to learn how the role of robotics in healthcare has evolved and will continue to evolve.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including Dickson's mapping suite designed to streamline the identification of critical hot and cold zones and the analysis of temperature and humidity trends; Littelfuse's series of sealed tactile switches for surface-mount technology; Mahr Inc.'s height gage designed for ease of use and efficiency in production environments; and more.

Soft Robot Modules for New Haptic Interactions

EPFL researchers have developed a customizable soft robotic system that uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and other haptic, or tactile, feedback in a variety of configurations. The device holds significant promise for applications in virtual reality, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Read on to learn more.

Robotics in Rehabilitation: Enhancing Recovery and Patient Independence

Robotics in rehabilitation enhance recovery and enable patient independence.

Creating Emotionally Intelligent Healthcare Robots

Advances in autonomous surgical robotic systems.

Socially Assistive AI-Driven Robots for Rehabilitation

Socially assistive robotics are playing an increasingly powerful role in eldercare and patient rehabilitation.

Advances in Autonomous Surgical Robotic Systems

A look at transformative advancement in surgical robotics, where robots can perform with both mechanical precision and human-like adaptability and understanding.

Product Focus: Connectors/Wires/Cables

See where the product focus is this month: On connectors, wires, and cables, including a range of panel-mount connectors from binder; Colder Products Company's smallest aseptic connector available; LEMO's new push-pull connector series; and more.

Common Pitfalls When Specifying Bearings for Medical Devices

This article delves into some of the design engineering and supply chain issues for medical device bearings, providing insights into their implications. It also offers guidance on how to optimize the bearing selection process with your supplier, ensuring your components perform reliably.

Precision in Motion: The Future of Robotics and Automation in Medical Device Manufacturing

As regulatory demands intensify and product complexity grows, automation and robotics provide medtech engineers with a powerful set of tools. From high-speed motion control to cleanroom-certified cobots and predictive maintenance, the technologies now available can transform the entire device manufacturing life cycle. Read on to learn more.

Key Trends Drive the Future of Medical Device Manufacturing

Medical device contract manufacturing is poised for robust and sustained growth, with the global market projected to surpass $150 billion by 2030. This expansion is being driven by technological innovations, shifting healthcare demands, and increasing reliance on outsourcing to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Read on to learn more.