Robot-powered outfit is being fashioned to help seniors walk
A new line of wearable robotics - a lightweight version of the armor that comic hero Iron Man wears - could keep seniors on their feet longer.
Bionics & Robotics
The fields of robotics and bionics have witnessed several advancements in recent years. We cover the latest technology breakthroughs of surgical robotics, bionic hearing and vision, of smart prosthetics, of micro-robots that travel through bodily fluids to deliver medication exactly to where it’s needed and the development of exoskeletons that help paralyzed people to walk again.
First successful robotic coronary angioplasties in Africa
Robocath announced it has successfully completed six robotic coronary angioplasties with R-One, a first for the continent of Africa.
Robots with tiny lasers could soon erase regrettable tattoos
Researchers are using laser scalpels and precision robotics to make tattoo removal faster, more accurate and less painful.
Robotic system for endovascular instrument guidance
Researchers have developed a new method to guide endovascular instruments into complex vascular structures that were inaccessible to endovascular surgeons until now.
Retinal screening in diabetes: diagnosis by robot
Physicians have been using automatic digital retinal screening, without assistance from an ophthalmologist, to detect diabetic retinal disease.
Toyota launches rehabilitation assist robot
Toyota has announced the launch of a robot designed to provide rehabilitation support to individuals with lower limb paralysis
Robotic transplants safe for obese kidney disease patients
Researchers report that among patients with obesity, robotic kidney transplants produce survival outcomes comparable to those seen among nonobese patients.
Avatera robot cleared for minimally invasive laparoscopy
Introduction of the avatera system into everyday clinical practice in Europe and a broad market launch expected in 2020.
World’s first robotic single-port kidney transplant
A robotic single-port kidney transplant, which enables all surgical instruments and the donor kidney to be placed through one small abdominal incision.
Bionic leg to help amputees walk faster
Bionic breakthrough: Engineers develop computerized bionic leg to help amputees walk faster, easier and with better balance.
Robot helps schoolkids break bad hygiene habits
A robot which encourages kids to wash their hands has helped pupils at a remote Indian primary school take a fresh approach to hygiene.
Artificial skin improves sensory ability of robots
Sensitive synthetic skin enables robots to sense their own bodies and surroundings – a crucial capability if they are to be in close contact with people.
‘Lab-bot’ could revolutionise drug development
A robot-controlled laboratory where decisions are made by artificial intelligence will change the way new drugs are discovered.
An exoskeleton allows a tetraplegic patient to move
A 4-limb robotic system controlled by brain signals helped a tetraplegic man to move his arms and walk using a ceiling-mounted harness for balance.
Drones deliver defibrillators faster than ambulances
A trial using 4G LTE cellular connectivity to enable drones to deliver automated external defibrillators to the scene of a cardiac arrest has taken place in Canada.
Robocath performs robotic coronary angioplasties in humans
The robotic procedures were performed at in France and precede the first clinical study of its kind to be conducted in Europe.
Robotic hand merges amputee and robotic Control
Scientists have successfully tested neuroprosthetic technology that combines robotic control with users’ voluntary control, opening avenues in the new interdisciplinary field of shared control for neuroprosthetic technologies.
Bionic prosthesis improves amputees’ health
Thanks to bionic prosthesis that features sensors that connect to residual nerves in the thigh, two volunteers are the first above-knee amputees in the world to feel their prosthetic foot and knee in real time.
Robotic thread to clear stroke clots
Engineers have developed a magnetically steerable, thread-like robot that can actively glide through narrow, winding pathways, such as the labrynthine vasculature of the brain.
Walk and run more easily with an exosuit
A versatile, portable exosuit that assists both walking and running highlights the potential for lightweight and non-restrictive wearable robots outside the lab.
A breakthrough for soft robots to advance artificial muscles
Scientists have developed a tiny pump that could play a big role in the development of autonomous soft robots, lightweight exoskeletons and smart clothing.
Robotic neck brace improves functions of ALS patients
A comfortable brace incorporates both sensors and actuators to restore roughly 70% of the active range of motion.
Robotic cane shown to improve stability in walking
Robotic device acts as a cane-like mobile assistant to provide light-touch to help the elderly and others with impaired mobility.
Soft robots to operate on human body
Researchers have developed a technique that allows them to remotely control the movement of soft robots, lock them into position for as long as needed and later reconfigure the robots into new shapes.
Microrobots could deliver drugs to specific spots
Researchers are developing microrobots that can deliver drugs to specific spots inside the body while being monitored and controlled from outside the body.
Prosthetic arm can move with your thoughts
Reseachers are developing a prosthetic arm that can move with the person's thoughts and feel the sensation of touch via an array of electrodes implanted in the muscles of the patient.
Hand-held robot points to less invasive prostate surgery
Collaborators are developing an endoscopic robotic system with two-handed dexterity at a much smaller scale than existing options.
Microrobots enable manipulation of cellular material
In a new study, researchers have demonstrated a novel and non-invasive way to manipulate cells through microrobotics.
Jellyfish-inspired robot to deliver drugs inside body
Scientists have developed a robot that looks and moves like a jellyfish; the aim is for Jellyfishbot to be applied in the treatment of cancer.