A new concept in space telescope design proposes a modular structure and an assembly robot to build extremely large telescopes in space. The robotic system would enable tasks to be performed without astronaut fatigue.
A study comparing robotics and manual approaches to treat ventricular tachycardia found that the robotic system can deliver better outcomes for many patients. The robotic arm enables precise movement and reduces invasiveness, maximizing accuracy in ablation procedures.
A Loyola Medicine study found that robotic-assisted surgery to remove the prostate reduces the risk of blood loss and prolonged hospital stays in obese prostate cancer patients. Compared to open surgery, robotic-assisted surgery was associated with a 83% lower rate of blood transfusions and a 72% lower rate of prolonged hospital stays.
The Cubimorph modular interactive device can change shape on-demand, featuring touchscreens on each of its six faces and a hinge-mounted turntable mechanism. Researchers from the University of Bristol presented their design rationale and prototypes demonstrating key aspects at ICRA 2016.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a method that incorporates the robot's arm as a sensor to improve the accuracy of environmental mapping. This approach enables robots to precisely locate their hands, which is crucial for tasks like inspection and manipulation.
A new study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques shows that robotic video-assisted lung resection achieves comparable outcomes to conventional VATS and preserves more healthy lung tissue. The robotic approach allows for fewer conversions to open thoracotomy and more lymph nodes retrieved for testing.
A new study has demonstrated the safety and feasibility of robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with complex coronary lesions. Similar clinical outcomes were achieved compared to manual PCI procedures, with no increase in resource utilization or patient radiation exposure reported.
The DOE has awarded Carnegie Mellon a $3 million grant to train graduate students in robotics for environmental remediation of nuclear sites. The five-year program will provide financial support and research opportunities for up to 20 Ph.D. and master's degree students.
Researchers adapted high-throughput screening technology to identify effective antimicrobial compounds against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. The automated system delivered results indistinguishable from human-led experiments and reduced testing time by a third, paving the way for potential new antibiotics.
Scientists developed a flexible, paper-based skin that responds to external stimuli, sensing pressure, temperature, humidity, proximity, pH, and air flow. This innovative material is made from household items and offers multi-sensory functionalities similar to natural skin.
Cybathlon is a global competition that awards teams of disabled pilots and scientists for developing novel assistive technologies. It includes disciplines such as prosthetic limbs, exoskeletons, wheelchairs, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to improve the quality of life for people with motor disabilities.
Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy often expect quicker recovery of sexual function, but may be unaware of potential complications such as penile length loss. Research found that robotic surgery patients had more optimistic expectations than open surgery patients.
A new study improves BrainGate's user experience and performance with three software innovations, allowing users to control electronic devices without frequent recalibration. The advancements enable longer use sessions and improved accuracy, paving the way for a practical BCI assistive technology.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an open-source hardware/software development kit for customizing medical capsule robots. This allows research groups to design and prototype capsules more efficiently, reducing the need for extensive redesign from scratch.
A new advancement in soft robotics has been reported, enabling elastic material to change color when stretched. This feature can help robots camouflage themselves, indicating areas of vulnerability, while also allowing for potential applications in medicine delivery and repair.
A team of marine scientists discovered four new deep-water coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean using predictive mathematical models. The reefs were identified at depths of up to 1.2km west of Ireland and confirmed during a two-week expedition using an underwater robot.
A new smart lab robot system optimizes cancer treatment by finding the best combination of drugs to kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The robot is part of a broader effort to improve cancer treatment research and find new drug compounds for resistant cells.
Researchers have created an algorithm that can efficiently search for the laws underlying complex dynamical systems, including biological processes. The algorithm, dubbed 'Sir Issac', was tested on artificial and real-world systems, demonstrating its ability to infer universal gravitational force and model chemical transformations.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an optimization algorithm to minimize robot acceleration, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The algorithm coordinates multiple robots to optimize their movements and sequence, resulting in improved efficiency without compromising production time.
The National Oceanography Centre has launched a robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife in the Celtic Sea, working with WWF. The two vehicles will investigate why certain areas are attractive to marine predators like dolphins and seabirds., The mission aims to increase understanding of marine animals' habitats and behaviors.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a brain-machine interface that allows paralyzed individuals to remotely control robots with their thoughts. The technology has shown excellent results, enabling users to interact with the robot's surroundings and avoid obstacles without requiring any physical movement.
A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed Terapio, a next-generation nursing robot that assists healthcare staff in delivering resources and recording patient information. The robot's friendly communication abilities and autonomous navigation capabilities enable efficient data management and care delivery.
A clinical trial has successfully implanted a neural prosthetic device in a region of the brain that controls intentions, allowing a paralyzed person to control a robotic arm with their thoughts. This new approach produces more natural and fluid motions compared to current neuroprosthetics.
Researchers implanted microelectrodes in a tetraplegic patient's brain to read neuronal activity related to intended movements. The study successfully predicted limb and eye movements, enabling control of a robotic arm with unprecedented accuracy.
A new study led by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that hospitals with low volumes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomies experienced a significantly higher complication rate compared to those with high volumes. The study suggests that current fee-for-service healthcare models may be to blame for this disparity.
Researchers found that infants' bodies play a role in connecting object names to objects, with consistent posture critical for successful mapping. The study's findings have implications for understanding cognition and memory in young children.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that the cerebellum plays a critical role in controlling robotic grasping tools. By monitoring brain activity with fMRI, they found that participants' brains adapted quickly to associate new movements with grasping actions.
A woman with quadriplegia used her thoughts to control a prosthetic arm and hand, achieving 10-degree brain control and grasping various objects. The study's findings indicate that highly coordinated movement can be restored to people with paralyzed arms and hands.
A new study shows that hospitals adopting robotic surgery between 2001-2004 performed partial nephrectomies more frequently, preserving organs for kidney cancer patients. This increase in partial nephrectomy rates is attributed to greater institutional experience with robotic surgery.
Scientists have developed a stretchable electronic skin that can detect pressure, location, intensity, and direction. This innovation could be used in prosthetic limbs, robotic skins, and rehabilitation devices.
Researchers at EPFL successfully recreated the ghost illusion in the laboratory by altering sensorimotor brain signals. This phenomenon is common to many cultures and can be observed in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy.
Researchers develop robot that induces feeling of 'ghost' presence in healthy participants by sending mixed-up sensorimotor signals. The phenomenon is linked to damage in frontoparietal cortex and may shed light on schizophrenic hallucinations.
A recent study found that robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a safe and feasible alternative to traditional bypass surgery, reducing complications and hospital stays. The procedure uses robotic precision to perform precise incisions with less blood loss and cosmetic scarring.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that robotic-assisted surgery for benign ovarian surgery has more complications and is significantly more expensive than conventional laparoscopic surgery. The median total cost of robot-assisted oophorectomy was $7,426, compared to $4,922 for conventional laparoscopic oophorectomy.
Research by Australian scientists reveals massive galaxies are eating smaller ones to gain weight, but their star-formation process is inefficient. Dr. Aaron Robotham explains that gravity allows larger galaxies to pull in smaller neighbors, and the Milky Way will follow suit, eventually merging with Andromeda.
A new study found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures for prostate cancer increased from 0.7% to 42% among US surgeons between 2003 and 2010. RARP adoption was associated with higher volume providers and decreased costs over time.
Researchers developed a technique to semi-automatically align 3-D models with photo geometry, estimating environmental illumination and appearance. This system enables realistic edits by fitting models into the photo's geometry and applying colors, textures, and lighting consistent with the image.
Xinyan Cui is leading a team to develop a biological coating for microelectrode arrays in brain implants, aiming to strengthen the connection between brain and machine. The coating could potentially extend the viability of neural recording by six months and improve the functionality of brain-computer interface technology.
Surgical residents who received anonymous peer feedback through a social networking site improved their robotic surgery skills more than those without feedback. The study found that residents in the intervention arm completed procedures faster and earned better scores.
A nationwide patient survey found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is as safe as open surgery for Medicare patients over 65, but with higher costs. The study compared post-operative complications, blood transfusions, and hospital stays between RARP and open surgery.
The book explores the major challenges of wireless sensor and robot networks, including controlled mobility, energy efficiency, and coordination. These challenges affect various applications, such as fleet operations, sensor networks, and fully cooperative systems.
A robotic prosthesis has been developed for an amputee drummer, allowing him to play with unprecedented control and creativity. The device features two drumsticks, one controlled by the musician's arms and the other using electromyography sensors that respond to muscle signals.
The University of Nevada, Reno is partnering with NevadaNano to develop a robotic flying vehicle that can be used for environmental health and safety monitoring of large areas. The project combines the university's autonomous systems expertise with NevadaNano's unique sensor technology for chemical sensing.
A UCLA study published in European Urology found that robotic-assisted prostate surgery resulted in 5% fewer positive margins and a one-third reduction in the likelihood of needing additional cancer therapies. This suggests that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may offer better cancer control with potentially lower downstream costs.
Researchers successfully transplanted kidneys into 50 recipients using a robot-assisted procedure that cools the organ with sterile ice during operation. This innovative method reduces post-operative pain and complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered a new species of small sea anemones, Edwardsiella andrillae, burrowed into Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf. The anemones have adapted to live upside down in ice, creating a previously unknown ecosystem.
Researchers at NC State University have developed wearable, stretchable sensors using silver nanowires that can measure strain, pressure, human touch, and bioelectronic signals. These sensors hold promise for creating responsive prosthetics and robots that can interact with their environment.
A new study by ETH Zurich researchers shows that robotic therapy outperforms conventional physiotherapy in improving sensory-motor function and arm mobility. Robot-assisted therapy enables patients to carry out exercises independently and motivates them via computer game elements, leading to better results in terms of mobility.
Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer experienced minimal loss of kidney function compared to those with normal kidney function. The procedure also showed no cases of end-stage kidney disease requiring long-term dialysis.
Researchers at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute found instances of ureteral injury in 6,442 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy. Patient characteristics such as infection history, abdominal surgery, and enlarged prostate glands may forewarn such damage.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter to accurately navigate and target tissues in the heart. The technology aims to reduce complications associated with current treatments for arterial fibrillation, allowing doctors to more precisely ablate the affected tissue and restore no...
The researchers modified a Baxter robot to learn from humans and make adjustments while an action is in progress. The robot can associate different trajectories with each type of object and generalize its learning.
Researchers propose a new method for robots to capture malfunctioning satellites in space. By mimicking the way animals track and capture prey, the team developed a bio-inspired solution that reduces damage and minimizes disruption to the spacecraft. This technology aims to revolutionize space maintenance and rescue operations.
Gimball's spherical shape and gyroscopic stabilization system enable it to absorb shocks and maintain its course despite numerous collisions. The robot's technology simplicity allows it to operate in challenging terrain, such as forest areas, without the need for complex obstacle avoidance systems.
A three-year program using robotic technology will be implemented in non-technical middle school classes in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The goal is to identify and nurture students with an affinity for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
A Mayo Clinic study of 370 patients found that robotic mitral valve repair surgery had similar total hospital costs to conventional open-chest methods, but patients who underwent robotic repair recovered more rapidly and returned home earlier. The study also showed that systems innovations led to a significant decrease in costs over time.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...
Researchers in Spain have created a 'Terminator' polymer that spontaneously regenerates itself, displaying impressive 97% healing efficiency. The material could enhance the security and lifetime of plastic components in various industries.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital developed a new technique using ice slush and robotic surgery to remove large kidney stones. The ICE procedure provides kidney protection during blood flow stoppage, allowing for complex surgeries. Three patients were successfully treated without complications.