Miniaturized soft bio-hybrid robotics: a step forward into healthcare applications

Soft robotics is an emerging discipline that employs soft flexible materials such as fluids, gels and elastomers in order to enhance the use of robotics in healthcare applications. Compared to their rigid counterparts, soft robotic systems have flexible and rheological properties that are closely related to biological systems, thus allowing the development of adaptive and flexible interactions with complex dynamic environments. With new technologies arising in bioengineering, the integration of living cells into soft robotic systems offers the possibility of accomplishing multiple complex functions such as sensing and actuating upon external stimuli. These emerging bio-hybrid systems are showing promising outcomes and opening up new avenues in the field of soft robotics for applications in healthcare and other field

Actuation Technologies for Soft Robot Grippers and Manipulators: A Review

Purpose of Review The new paradigm of soft robotics has been widely developed in the international robotics community. These robots being soft can be used in applications where delicate yet effective interaction is necessary. Soft grippers and manipulators are important, and their actuation is a fundamental area of study. The main purpose of this work is to provide readers with fast references to actuation technologies for soft robotic grippers in relation to their intended application. Recent Findings The authors have surveyed recent findings on actuation technologies for soft grippers. They presented six major kinds of technologies which are either used independently for actuation or in combination, e.g., pneumatic actuation combined with electro-adhesion, for certain applications. Summary A review on the latest actuation technologies for soft grippers and manipulators is presented. Readers will get a guide on the various methods of technology utilization based on the application

Advanced medical micro-robotics for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions

Recent technological advances in micro-robotics have demonstrated their immense potential for biomedical applications. Emerging micro-robots have versatile sensing systems, flexible locomotion and dexterous manipulation capabilities that can significantly contribute to the healthcare system. Despite the appreciated and tangible benefits of medical micro-robotics, many challenges still remain. Here, we review the major challenges, current trends and significant achievements for developing versatile and intelligent micro-robotics with a focus on applications in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We also consider some recent emerging micro-robotic technologies that employ synthetic biology to support a new generation of living micro-robots. We expect to inspire future development of micro-robots toward clinical translation by identifying the roadblocks that need to be overcome

Security Challenges for Swarm Robotics

Swarm robotics is a relatively new technology that is being explored for its potential use in a variety of dierent applications and environments. Previous emerging technologies have often overlooked security until later developmen- tal stages, when it has had to be undesirably (and sometimes expensively) retrotted. We identify a number of security challenges for swarm robotics and argue that now is the right time to address these issues and seek solu- tions. We also identify several idiosyncrasies of swarm robotics that present some unique security challenges. In particular, swarms of robots potentially employ dierent types of communication channels; have special concepts of identity; and exhibit adaptive emergent behaviour which could be modied by an intruder. Addressing these issues now will prevent undesirable conse- quences for many applications of this type of technology

Industrial Robotics

This book covers a wide range of topics relating to advanced industrial robotics, sensors and automation technologies. Although being highly technical and complex in nature, the papers presented in this book represent some of the latest cutting edge technologies and advancements in industrial robotics technology. This book covers topics such as networking, properties of manipulators, forward and inverse robot arm kinematics, motion path-planning, machine vision and many other practical topics too numerous to list here. The authors and editor of this book wish to inspire people, especially young ones, to get involved with robotic and mechatronic engineering technology and to develop new and exciting practical applications, perhaps using the ideas and concepts presented herein

Learning-Based Control Strategies for Soft Robots: Theory, Achievements, and Future Challenges

In the last few decades, soft robotics technologies have challenged conventional approaches by introducing new, compliant bodies to the world of rigid robots. These technologies and systems may enable a wide range of applications, including human-robot interaction and dealing with complex environments. Soft bodies can adapt their shape to contact surfaces, distribute stress over a larger area, and increase the contact surface area, thus reducing impact forces

Robotics Applications in Neurology: A Review of Recent Advancements and Future Directions

Robotic technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of neurology by providing new methods for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of neurological disorders. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of robotics applications for neurology, driven by advances in sensing, actuation, and control systems. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in robotics technology for neurology, with a focus on three main areas: diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. In the area of diagnosis, robotics has been used for developing new imaging techniques and tools for more accurate and non-invasive mapping of brain structures and functions. For treatment, robotics has been used for developing minimally invasive surgical procedures, including stereotactic and endoscopic approaches, as well as for the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific targets in the brain. In rehabilitation, robotics has been used for developing assistive devices and platforms for motor and cognitive training of patients with neurological disorders. The paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of current robotics technology for neurology, including the need for more reliable and precise sensing and actuation systems, the development of better control algorithms, and the ethical implications of robotic interventions in the human brain. Finally, the paper outlines future directions and opportunities for robotics applications in neurology, including the integration of robotics with other emerging technologies, such as neuroprosthetics, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Overall, this review highlights the potential of robotics technology to transform the field of neurology and improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders

Overview of recent advances in Health care technology and its impact on health care delivery

Recent advancement in technology such as Machine Learning (ML), Artificial intelligence(AI), Robotics, internet of things (IOT), Block Chain technologies, Big Data analytics, Cloud computing  Natural Language Processing, Mobile Applications is making a huge impact on the day to day lives of human beings. These technologies started helping us to save resources, time and cost and at the same time increase the accuracy and efficiency. Biomedical domain also started embracing these new technologies in the areas of diagnosis, surgery and therapeutics. These technologies also have applications in the areas of pattern recognition and expert systems. The paper provides an overview of recent advancement in technologies and its impact on the biomedical domain  

Situated Learning Through Robotics Processes

Technological advances in robotics, digital fabrication, and sensor technologies are changing the landscape of innovation, design, and production. However, integration of these technologies in architecture programs is a challenging task. It requires extensive knowledge of the robotic arm operations, complex computer applications, and developing interdisciplinary skills for producing the end of arm tooling, which makes architectural experimentation and production possible. The following paper describes an informal approach to an interdisciplinary collaboration experiment for initiating operations of a new robotics lab. Leveraging the inaugural event of the lab, students and faculty were invited to design, construct, and participate in exhibiting four projects at the event. The paper explains each project, how student and faculty interacted and learned advanced fabrication techniques, and how their experience contributed to the overall establishment of the lab