Medical machines or robots
Robots already assist in many types of medical and therapeutic procedures. The development of additional robots that assist in more medical fields is on-going.
Third Horizon
The integration of robotics into the medical field continues. Systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System (a system where the doctor controls a surgical robot from a computer console) are appearing in more hospitals around the country. These systems are becoming more sophisticated. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are working to develop feedback to the doctor performing the surgery, so that he or she experiences a sense of touch during robot-assited operations. This should enable surgeons to feel the amount of force the surgical robot is applying to the patient's body real-time during an operation. http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/17909/.
Meanwhile, research has continued in improving devices designed to aid in rehabilitation by monitoring and correcting a patient's movement. Northeastern University has created devices for "knee, pelvic, and hand rehabilitation [that] use electro-rheological fluid in their motors." This could be very helpful to stroke victims. The motors have many advantages: they are smart devices (the "fluid creates resistance when a current is applied, eliminating the need for more hefty or expensive motors"), they are "relatively portable and lightweight," enabling patients to proceed with their physical therapy at home. http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/24231/page1/.
At George Mason University another device under development, which is based on a modified game controller, is designed "to assist with repetitive handwriting exercises." This is a relatively inexpensive device and is designed for rehabilitation use home, and it "may help improve fine motor control in the hands of children with ADHD or mild cognitive impairments." http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/24231/page1/.
Researchers are also working on a potential medical device with military applications. A robotic snake would be used to check for "breathing and deliver oxygen, if needed." The device would be attached to a stretcher and monitor the patient during transport. http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/24231/page1/
"Knee bend: This version of the AKROD
knee device from Northeastern
University was designed to help a patient
regain motor function after a stroke.
Credit: Biomedical Mechatronics
Laboratory, Northeastern University"
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/23939/?a=f
Sue Palsbo, founder of Obslap Research, modified Falcon, a 3-D force-
feedback game controller made by Novint, a company based in
Albuquerque, NM. A hinged arm (called a pantograph) attaches to the
device and fastens on top of a regular pen or pencil, leaving room for a
user to write with a comfortable grip. A physical therapist then uses My
Scrivener software to decide on an exercise for the patient that lets her
work toward creating clear, legible script
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/22500/?a=f
Will these applications be safe?
Will these applications work?
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/24231/page1/
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/17909/
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/22500/?a=f
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/23939/?a=f
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