Robotics & Automation News

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ABB demonstrates new mobile robot for laboratory work

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ABB today opened its first global healthcare research hub on the Texas Medical Center campus, in Houston, Texas – showcasing a number of concept technologies, including a mobile YuMi robot, which will be designed to assist medical and laboratory staff with laboratory and logistics tasks in hospitals. (See video below.)

The dual-arm mobile YuMi will be able to sense and navigate its way around its human co-workers autonomously, while learning to find different routes from one location to another.

It has the potential to undertake a wide range of repetitive and time-consuming activities, including preparation of medicines, loading and unloading centrifuges, pipetting and handling liquids and picking up and sorting test tubes. [Read more…] about ABB demonstrates new mobile robot for laboratory work

Corindus instrument used in ‘world’s first’ remote-control robotic heart surgery

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A surgical instrument developed by Corindus has been used in what is claimed to be the first remote-controlled heart operation using a robot.

Corindus published its “Telerobotic Intervention Study” in The Lancet, saying it is “the world’s first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures conducted from a remote location outside the catheterization lab using Corindus’ CorPath technology platform”.

The paper Corindus published, titled Long Distance Telerobotic-Assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: First-in-Human Experience, discusses five successful patient cases performed by internationally acclaimed physician Dr Tejas Patel, chairman and chief interventional cardiologist of the Apex Heart Institute in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. [Read more…] about Corindus instrument used in ‘world’s first’ remote-control robotic heart surgery

Columbia university develops robotic neck brace that ‘dramatically improves’ movement

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Columbia university has developed a robotic neck brace that it says “dramatically improves functions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. (See video below.)

The brace incorporates both sensors and actuators to “restore roughly 70 percent of the active range of motion”.

The novel neck brace, which supports the neck during its natural motion, was designed by Columbia university engineers. [Read more…] about Columbia university develops robotic neck brace that ‘dramatically improves’ movement

Osso VR’s training gaining support from medical sector

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Osso VR, a provider of a virtual reality surgical training platform, says its technology is being incorporated into surgical training programs worldwide and is now used by more than 20 leading teaching hospitals and eight top medical device companies in 11 countries.

Focused on increasing access to hands-on training that improves patient outcomes and increases the adoption of higher value medical technology, Osso VR provides an immersive, repeatable environment to safely work up the learning curve.

Leading hospitals using Osso VR include Brown University, Vanderbilt University, Hospital for Special Surgery, Marshall University, Newcastle Simulation Centre, The University of Hawaii, UCLA, University of Washington, Wake Forest Baptiste Health, University of Kentucky, University of Utah, and New York University. [Read more…] about Osso VR’s training gaining support from medical sector

Philips extends automation on its EPIQ CVx cardiology ultrasound platform

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Royal Philips, a leader in health technology,has announced new advanced automation capabilities on its EPIQ CVx and EPIQ CVxi cardiac ultrasound systems.

With Release 5.0, both systems now include automated applications for 2D assessment of the heart, as well as robust 3D right ventricle volume and ejection fraction measurements, making accurate exams faster and easier to conduct.

Together, the new applications provide clinicians with the means to confidently evaluate the heart’s function, increasing diagnostic confidence for patients with pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, coronary disease and heart failure.

[Read more…] about Philips extends automation on its EPIQ CVx cardiology ultrasound platform

Ekso Bionics in $100 million joint venture to develop the exoskeleton market in Asia

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Ekso Bionics, Inc. is to establish a joint venture to develop and serve the exoskeleton market in China and other Asian markets and to create a global exoskeleton manufacturing centre.

It will partner with Zhejiang Youchuang Venture Capital Investment Co., Ltd (ZYVC) and Zhejiang Silicon Paradise Asset Management Group.

The joint venture will develop, sell and support exoskeleton products into China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, and will be capitalized at greater than $100 million over its term.

[Read more…] about Ekso Bionics in $100 million joint venture to develop the exoskeleton market in Asia