Ximedica Celebrates National Robotics Week, April 2 – 10, 2016

The healthcare industry is being impacted immensely by developments in the world of robotics that offer solutions for problems ranging from patient healing to physical obstacles in the natural world. Robotics is a trending topic in the Xi Technology Forums, where technologies that go far beyond traditional prosthesis are often discussed. As we celebrate #NationalRoboticsWeek, learn more about how robotics technology is impacting our society, both now and in the future.

Trending now…

Autonomous Suturing Surgical Robot by Case Western

Development Phase: Academic Lab

CWU team are investigating ways to integrating autonomous suturing abilities into the da Vinci surgical robot. The team purchase a used da Vinci on eBay (!) and are developing autonomous algorithms to control the device during routine suturing

As Seen in: MedGadget

Biomimetic Robot Hand by University of Washington

Development Phase: Academic lab

To develop this robotic hand, bone scans were taken and 3D printed to make the components as realistic as possible. This process identified many unique characteristics that give the human hand particular abilities. The robotic hand design utilized traditional mechanical components to replicate those qualities.

As Seen in: MedGadget

Rock Robot

Development Phase: Academic Lab

This is a robotic wearable limb that can be attached to the shoulder to let drummers play with three arms. The two-foot long “smart arm” can be attached to a musician’s shoulder; it responds to human gestures and the music it hears.

As seen in: Futurity

Robin by University of Hertfordshire (UK)

Development Phase: Academic Lab

Using a commercially available robot platform, team developed special software to help children learn to manage diabetes. With the mentality of a toddler, the robot has been diagnosed as diabetic and encourages children to develop disease management skills by relating to and caring for the robot, giving him insulin and monitor his glucose levels that is tied to his emotional and physical behavior.

As seen in: Futurity

Self-Driving Chair by Nissan

Development Phase: Proof of concept

With one clap of the hands, an entire roomful of office chairs will move back to their spots at the table. The chairs are connected to a bird’s eye camera via Wi-Fi. Four cameras keep track of each chair’s position and guide the chairs back into place. The technology was designed to showcase Nissan’s “Intelligent Parking Assistant” planned for parking cars.

As seen in: Fortune

Wildcat by Boston Dynamics and Google X

Development Phase: Working prototype

This robot is intended as a companion for soldiers to help tote weapons to strategic positions during battle and help detect land mines. The wildcat can run up to 16 miles per hour.

As seen in: Fast Company

Atlas Humanoid Droid by Boston Dynamics and Google X

Development Phase: Working prototype

Atlas is 5-foot-9 and weights 180lbs. He can walk upright with relative ease and will get back up when it is pushed down. The robot can also squat to pick up heavy packages, and balance itself so it doesn’t fall while walking a slippery incline.

As seen in: Fast Company