Robotics & Automation

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.

Artificial Muscle Device Produces Force 34 Times Its Weight

Researchers have developed a fluid switch using ionic polymer artificial muscles that operates at ultra-low power and produces a force 34 times greater than its weight. Fluid switches control fluid flow, causing the fluid to flow in a specific direction to invoke various movements.

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?

RISING STAR AWARDS 2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Home How to Enter Terms & Conditions Meet the Judges Hall of Stars Sponsors   Platinum Sponsors See all sponsors The wait is over. We’re thrilled to announce the...

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...

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including precision injection molding from Medbio; Covestro's Makrolon 3638 polycarbonate; laser processing systems from Amada Weld Tech; biocompatible adhesives, sealants, and potting materials from EpoxySet; brushless ECX speed motors from maxon; and more.

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.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including an ultrathin cable module for single-use endoscopes from Omnivision, CUI Inc's dc-dc converter, Vision Engineering's stereo microscopes, Henkel's expanded portfolio for wearables, SupplyOne's packaging solutions, 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.

Medical Devices on the Ice

From injury prevention to player performance monitoring, cutting-edge medical technologies such as wearable devices, advanced imaging, and data analytics have become integral components in the realm of hockey. Take this quiz to learn more about the impact of medical technology on the sport and the players.

Surgery

What neurosurgery technique was inspired by a wine bottle opener?

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.

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...