Robotic Technology Research Articles

Cocreative Development of Robotic Interaction Systems for Health Care: Scoping Review.

Robotic technologies present challenges to health care professionals and are therefore rarely used. Barriers such as lack of controllability and adaptability and complex control functions affect the human-robot relationship. In addition to educational opportunities, the possibility of individual adaptation can improve the usability and practical implementation of robotics. Previous work has focused on developments from a technology-centered perspective and has included user interests too late in the process. This study addresses the following research question: What cocreative research approaches are used in the field of nursing robotics to improve the usability, intended use, and goal-directed application of robotic developments for nurses and to support the nursing process? This scoping review provides an overview of the topic and the research activities taking place within it. Five databases and the reference lists of the identified publications were searched for studies without further restrictions. Studies were included if they developed and evaluated interaction and control platforms for robotic systems in health care in a cocreative way with end users. The search resulted in 419 hits, of which 3 publications were included. All publications were feasibility or user studies that were mainly carried out in the European Union. The 3 interaction and control platforms presented were all prototypes and not commercially available. In addition to those in need of care, all studies also included family carers and health care professionals. Robotic interaction and control platforms in health care are rarely, if ever, developed and evaluated with feasibility or user studies that include prototypes and end users. While the involvement of end users is crucial, this review emphasizes that all stakeholders, including health care professionals, should participate in the development process to ensure a holistic understanding of application needs and a focus on user experiences and practical health care needs. It is emphasized that the active involvement of end users in the development process is critical to effectively meeting the needs of the target group.

Restoration of grasping in an upper limb amputee using the myokinetic prosthesis with implanted magnets.

The loss of a hand disrupts the sophisticated neural pathways between the brain and the hand, severely affecting the level of independence of the patient and the ability to carry out daily work and social activities. Recent years have witnessed a rapid evolution of surgical techniques and technologies aimed at restoring dexterous motor functions akin to those of the human hand through bionic solutions, mainly relying on probing of electrical signals from the residual nerves and muscles. Here, we report the clinical implementation of an interface aimed at achieving this goal by exploiting muscle deformation, sensed through passive magnetic implants: the myokinetic interface. One participant with a transradial amputation received an implantation of six permanent magnets in three muscles of the residual limb. A truly self-contained myokinetic prosthetic arm embedding all hardware components and the battery within the prosthetic socket was developed. By retrieving muscle deformation caused by voluntary contraction through magnet localization, we were able to control in real time a dexterous robotic hand following both a direct control strategy and a pattern recognition approach. In just 6 weeks, the participant successfully completed a series of functional tests, achieving scores similar to those achieved when using myoelectric controllers, a standard-of-care solution, with comparable physical and mental workloads. This experience raised conceptual and technical limits of the interface, which nevertheless pave the way for further investigations in a partially unexplored field. This study also demonstrates a viable possibility for intuitively interfacing humans with robotic technologies.

Totally endoscopic robotic repair of coronary sinus atrial septal defect with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty

BackgroundThe coronary sinus type of atrial septal defect is rare. Standard treatment typically involves intracardiac repair using conventional sternotomy or thoracotomy incisions; however, robotic technology can offer a feasible alternative due to its ability to provide a high-quality surgical view of this anomaly.Case presentationA 72-year-old man presented with asymptomatic atrial septal defect. Echocardiography revealed a direct communication between the left atrium and CS with left-to-right shunt flow and a Qp/Qs ratio of 2.1:1. The coronary sinus type of atrial septal defect was indicated for the totally endoscopic robotic repair considering few comorbidities. We present a successful robotic repair of coronary sinus atrial septal defect with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty via the right atrium, properly identifying the boundary between the mitral annulus and coronary sinus through a high-quality surgical view.ConclusionRobotic repair can serve as a viable and therapeutically effective alternative for cases of coronary sinus atrial septal defect with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty.

An online error compensation strategy for hybrid robot based on grating feedback

Purpose This paper aims to enhance the machining accuracy of hybrid robots by treating the moving platform as the first joint of a serial robot for direct position measurement and integrating external grating sensors with motor encoders for real-time error compensation. Design/methodology/approach Initially, a spherical coordinate system is established using one linear and two circular grating sensors. This system enables direct acquisition of the moving platform’s position in the hybrid robot. Subsequently, during the coarse interpolation stage, the motor command for the next interpolation point is dynamically updated using error data from external grating sensors and motor encoders. Finally, fuzzy proportional integral derivative (PID) control is applied to maintain robot stability post-compensation. Findings Experiments were conducted on the TriMule-600 hybrid robot. The results indicate that the following errors of the five grating sensors are reduced by 94%, 93%, 80%, 75% and 88% respectively, after compensation. Using the fourth drive joint as an example, it was verified that fuzzy adaptive PID control performs better than traditional PID control. Practical implications The proposed online error compensation strategy significantly enhances the positional accuracy of the robot end, thereby improving the actual processing quality of the workpiece. Social implications This method presents a technique for achieving online error compensation in hybrid robots, which promotes the advancement of the manufacturing industry. Originality/value This paper proposes a cost-effective and practical method for online error compensation in hybrid robots using grating sensors, which contributes to the advancement of hybrid robot technology.

Microstructural and mechanical properties analysis of SS 316L structure fabricated using CMT-wire arc additive manufacturing

Integrating robotic arm technology with cold metal transfer (CMT) has revolutionized wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The research work consists of the fabrication of SS 316L WAAM using the CMT technique. Investigations of mechanical and microstructural properties, i.e. residual stress measurement (RSM), microhardness (MH), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percentage elongation (PE), and microstructure of WAAM sample and cold rolled (CR) plate, results were compared. WAAM attained an UTS of 590 MPa, with an average yield strength (YS) of around 302 MPa, exceeding the CR plate’s UTS of 557 MPa while maintaining a similar YS of 305 MPa. WAAM and the CR plate exhibited nearly identical PE, with 64% and 62% values, respectively. Residual stress analysis revealed that the WAAM sample showed an average compressive residual stress of 124 MPa, accounting for 87% of the average residual stress observed in the CR plate, which measured 142 MPa. The MH profile of WAAM revealed an average value of 230 HV0.5, accounting for 88% of the MH observed in the CR plate at 260 HV0.5. The performance of WAAM closely matched that of the CR plate in terms of residual stress and MH.

Soft Upper‐Limb Wearable Robotic Devices: Technology and Applications

One of the practical applications in the field of soft robotics involves the development of soft robotic wearable devices. These devices make use of their intrinsically compliant structures to interact safely and harmoniously with the human body. While soft wearable robots demonstrate their utility in lower‐limb applications for locomotion, the upper‐limb domain offers significant prospects in a wide range of applications that soft robotic technology can address. In this review, the current state of technology in the field of soft wearable upper limbs is systematically analyzed and categorized. Categorizations are made based on their applications in rehabilitation, activities of daily living support, and human augmentation. Furthermore, in this study, also contemporary technological aspects, encompassing sensing technology and control systems, are explored. Despite exciting potential in this domain, several limitations from existing devices inherently impede widespread adoption and thus hinder further progress in the field. In this study, also an overview of the different facets of the domain is provided and key considerations for the advancement of soft wearable robotic devices intended for upper‐limb applications are prescribed.

Robot Control Platform for Multimodal Interactions with Humans Based on ChatGPT

This paper presents the architecture of a multimodal human–robot interaction control platform that leverages the advanced language capabilities of ChatGPT to facilitate more natural and engaging conversations between humans and robots. Implemented on the Pepper humanoid robot, the platform aims to enhance communication by providing a richer and more intuitive interface. The motivation behind this study is to enhance robot performance in human interaction through cutting-edge natural language processing technology, thereby improving public attitudes toward robots, fostering the development and application of robotic technology, and reducing the negative attitudes often associated with human–robot interactions. To validate the system, we conducted experiments measuring negative attitude robot scale and their robot anxiety scale scores before and after interacting with the robot. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant improvement in the participants’ attitudes and a notable reduction in anxiety following the interaction, indicating that the system holds promise for fostering more positive human–robot relationships.

Application of core strength training based on learning control robot technology in Badminton

The implementation of core strength training in badminton has received increasing attention as the game and training theories have matured. A single typical strength training session is not the same as core strength training. Strengthening the trunk’s core muscles can help athletes become more adaptable and physically strong, which will have a significant influence on badminton’s future growth. At present, core strength training has been tried to be applied to the routine training of athletes. However, its application has not been scientifically guided and its role cannot be fully exerted, which has adversely affected the improvement of athletes’ skill levels. Consequently, a thorough analysis of badminton’s features was done in this research. The use of core strength training in badminton was thoroughly investigated based on an exploration of the application value of this technique in conjunction with learning and control robot technology. This article examined three levels of special abilities, physical fitness and balancing ability, and compared it with the standard core strength training technology to demonstrate the application impact of the learning control robot’s core strength training in badminton. According to the experimental findings, learning control robot technology may be achieved through core strength training, the average scores of students’ badminton speed quality and strength quality were about 8.10 and 8.45. There was a clear difference between the scores of 6.69 and 7.54 of the traditional training methods, which proved its feasibility.

Technological anxiety: Analysis of the impact of industrial intelligence on employment in China

Employment is the greatest livelihood. Whether the impact of industrial robotics technology materialized in machines on employment in the digital age is an “icing on the cake” or “adding fuel to the fire” needs further study. This study aims to analyze the impact of the installation and application of industrial robots on labor demand in the context of the Chinese economy. First, from the theoretical logic and the economic development law, this study gives the prior judgment and research hypothesis that industrial intelligence will increase jobs. Then, based on the panel data of 269 cities in China from 2006 to 2021, we use the two-way fixed effect model, dynamic threshold model, and two-stage intermediary effect model. The objective is to investigate the impact of industrial intelligence on enterprise labor demand and its path mechanism. Results show that the overall effect of industrial intelligence on the labor force with the installation density index of industrial robots as the proxy variable is the “creation effect”. In other words, advanced digital technology has created additional jobs, and the overall supply of employment in the labor market has increased. The conclusion is still valid after the endogeneity identification and robustness test. In addition, the positive effect has a nonlinear effect on the network scale. When the installation density of industrial robots exceeds a particular threshold value, the division of labor continues to deepen under the combined action of the production efficiency and compensation effects, which will cause enterprises to increase labor demand further. Further research showed that industrial intelligence can increase employment by promoting synergistic agglomeration and improving labor price distortions. This study concludes that in the digital China era, the introduction and installation of industrial robots by enterprises can affect the optimal allocation of the labor market. This phenomenon has essential experience and reference significance for guiding industrial digitalization and intelligent transformation and promoting the high-quality development of people’s livelihood.

Robotic-assisted excision of diffuse adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is a chronic, debilitating condition characterised by the presence of endometrial- like glands and stroma within the myometrium. While hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment, uterus- sparing surgeries may be a possible option for patients desiring to maintain fertility. Surgical management, along with medical treatment and/or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), can improve outcomes. To provide a step-by-step video demonstration of robotic-assisted excision of diffuse adenomyosis affecting the posterior uterine wall. This video article describes the use of a robotic platform in conjunction with intracavitary indocyanine green (ICG) for the uterus-sparing excision of diffuse adenomyosis. Perioperative data, specifics of the surgical approach, and both objective and subjective outcomes of this surgical approach. A 38-year-old nulligravid patient with a history of chronic pelvic pain and infertility underwent surgical management of adenomyosis following two unsuccessful IVF cycles. The excisional surgery resulted in minimal blood loss (60 ml) and the patient was discharged on the same day of surgery with no complications. In select patients, robotic-assisted surgical management of diffuse adenomyosis can be advantageous. Leveraging the benefits of robotic technology, combined with appropriate surgical techniques, facilitates the performance of extensive surgeries with minimal morbidity and favourable outcomes.

Robotic Technology Enables Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Subsea Zone

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215588, “Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Splash/Subsea Zone,” by Karsten Husby, Magnus Bjerkeng, and Jens T. Thieleman, SINTEF, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Jacket structures all over the world are now reaching the limit of their estimated service life, but new discoveries and improved production methods require lifetime extension of the assets. The complete paper presents an automated underwater robot and a nondestructive testing (NDT) eddy-current probe for alternating-current field-measurement analysis of jacket main welds. This robot makes integrity testing, which often is required for lifetime extensions, possible. Introduction Jacket lifetime calculations are based on long service intervals. Some welded braces in the splash zone often are considered unserviceable because of the hostile environment. Thus, divers or remotely operated vehicles cannot be used under normal weather conditions and wave heights. Structural integrity is ensured with long service intervals, often long enough for the lifetime of the jacket. However, multiple jacket platforms are approaching their certified lifespan limit. The question, then, is whether they should be decommissioned, reused, or have their lifespan extended. New discoveries and improved production methods make extended operation desirable for certain fields. For other platforms, repurposing for offshore wind, aquaculture, or geothermal energy may be a cost-effective alternative. Regardless, before any action can be taken, the integrity of the jackets must be tested. There is, therefore, a growing need for subsea condition monitoring of aging offshore jacket steel platforms. To speed up operations and to handle complicated health, safety, and environment (HSE) issues in the splash zone, robots can be used. A robot for NDT inspection in the hostile splash zone is pictured in Fig. 1. The robot clamps itself to the circular braces and is equipped with 3D vision camera, kinematics algorithms, and an NDT probe. Integrity Testing Under Rough Conditions Testing for integrity of critical infrastructure often is performed by different NDT methods. In this study, eddy-current testing was chosen as the preferred method because it is fast and can penetrate layers of marine growth on the surface. The normal procedure is to use lightweight hand-held equipment. The splash zone, however, is often inaccessible under modern HSE standards. In this project, an automated NDT robot helped conduct efficient NDT testing for longer periods in challenging conditions. This robot offloads the NDT operator and makes testing more efficient.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic nerve-sparing modified radical hysterectomy for deep endometriosis.

Drug resistance and severe pelvic pain often warrant surgical intervention for treating deep endometriosis (DE); however, damage to the autonomic nervous system can occur because of anatomical considerations. We aimed to investigate the advantages of robotic technology in enabling precise dissection, even in DE. We retrospectively compared the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted (RA) and conventional laparoscopic (CL) nerve-sparing modified radical hysterectomies (NSmRHs) for DE. Between the two groups (RA-NSmRH group, n = 50; CL-NSmRH group, n = 18), no differences were identified based on patient demographics, such as age, body mass index, previous surgery, revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification, Enzian classification, uterine weight, number of removed DE lesions, and concomitant procedures. All patients in both groups achieved complete removal of the DE lesions with complete bilateral pelvic autonomic nerve preservation. The mean operative time (OT) was significantly longer (130 ± 46 vs. 98 ± 22min, p < 0.01), and estimated blood loss (EBL) was lower (35 ± 44 vs. 131 ± 49ml, p < 0.01) in the RA-NSmRH group than in the CL-NSmRH group. The hospitalization days (4.3 ± 1.3 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2days, p = 0.45) and perioperative complications with Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ grade III (0% vs. 0%) were not significant in both the groups. None of the patients required self-catheterization after surgery. Compared with CL-NSmRH, RA-NSmRH was associated with longer OT and lower EBL, whereas the number of hospitalization days and complications were similar in both groups. Our results imply that nerve-sparing surgery can be safely and reproducibly performed using conventional or robotic laparoscopic modalities to treat DE.

Robotic-assisted Lymphovenous Anastomosis of the Central Lymphatic System.

Recent advances in robotic microsurgery have enabled the application of robotic technology in central lymphatic reconstruction. Although the use of microsurgical robots demands careful consideration of associated costs and potentially prolonged operating times, it may offer improved surgical approaches and enhanced accessibility to deeper anatomical structures such as the thoracic duct (TD). We report on successful reconstruction of the central lymphatic system using the Symani Surgical System in four patients with lesions of the central lymphatic system. The patients were of different age (range: 8 mo-60 y) and had variable conditions, including central conducting lymphatic anomaly and other rare anomalies of the central lymphatic pathways. Depending on the underlying pathology, a cervical access (n = 1) or median laparotomy (n = 3) was chosen to access the TD and perform anastomosis with a nearby vein. In all patients, anastomoses were patent, and chyle leakage decreased postoperatively. From a surgical perspective, the Symani Surgical System improved the precision of the microsurgeon and accessibility to the deep-lying TD. Considering the high morbidity and rarity of pathologies of the central lymphatic system, robotic-assisted microsurgery holds substantial promise in expanding and improving the microsurgical treatment for central lymphatic anomalies.

Innovative integration of maturity detection and robotic technology for enhanced litchi harvesting

Abstract An integrated approach marries an optimized YOLOv7 deep learning model with a 6-axis robotic arm, featuring a novel end-effector design, to elevate automated litchi harvesting. The model, refined with ACmix attention and Focal-EIoU loss functions, adeptly identifies litchi maturity across diverse orchard settings, overcoming challenges like variable lighting and occlusions. Rigorous field validations and real-world applications demonstrate the system’s efficacy, with an 85.7% success rate in precisely harvesting mature litchis. This fusion of cutting-edge image recognition with strategic mechanical innovation effectively mitigates labor shortages and enhances productivity, marking a significant leap forward in orchard automation.

PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DIGITALIZATION OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK FARMING (EXAMPLE IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARAKALPAKSTAN)

The article provides detailed reviews and analyzes of the perspective of artificial intelligence in Uzbekistan. The importance of artificial intelligence in the development of firms, companies, as well as in the fields of medicine, agriculture has been need by process of digitalization. Also, the demographic changes of the Republic of Uzbekistan were analyzed and forecast indicators for 2024-2030 were developed. Based on these forecast indicators, it was determined that by 2030, the demand of the population of the Republic for meat and dairy products will increase by 19.2%, and for milk products by 16.3%. To meet this demand, suggestions and recommendations have been developed for the automation of livestock complexes based on digital technologies, the use of robotic CR-1 and MR-S2 remote-controlled digital technologies for increasing the milk yield of dairy cows

Robotics in Physical Rehabilitation: Systematic Review.

As the global prevalence of motor disabilities continues to rise, there is a pressing need for advanced solutions in physical rehabilitation. This systematic review examines the progress and challenges of implementing robotic technologies in the motor rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities. The integration of robotic technologies such as exoskeletons, assistive training devices, and brain-computer interface systems holds significant promise for enhancing functional recovery and patient autonomy. The review synthesizes findings from the most important studies, focusing on the clinical effectiveness of robotic interventions in comparison to traditional rehabilitation methods. The analysis reveals that robotic therapies can significantly improve motor function, strength, co-ordination, and dexterity. Robotic systems also support neuroplasticity, enabling patients to relearn lost motor skills through precise, controlled, and repetitive exercises. However, the adoption of these technologies is hindered by high costs, the need for specialized training, and limited accessibility. Key insights from the review highlight the necessity of personalizing robotic therapies to meet individual patient needs, alongside addressing technical, economic, social, and cultural barriers. The review also underscores the importance of continued research to optimize these technologies and develop effective implementation strategies. By overcoming these challenges, robotic technologies can revolutionize motor rehabilitation, improving quality of life and social integration for individuals with motor disabilities.

Application Progress of Robot Precision Compensation Technology in Aviation Manufacturing

With the increasing demand for product quality and precision in aviation manufacturing industry, the application of robot technology in this field is more and more extensive. However, the accuracy of robot operation has always been a key factor restricting its application. This paper summarizes the research progress of robot precision compensation technology in the field of aviation manufacturing in recent years. This paper first introduces the application status of robot technology in aviation manufacturing, and then analyzes the principles of various precision compensation technologies and their application examples in aviation manufacturing. Through the analysis and summary of the research content, through reasonable precision compensation technology, the operation precision of the robot can be significantly improved, thus meeting the high precision requirements of aviation manufacturing. This paper also analyzes the challenges of robot precision compensation technology in aviation manufacturing field, and looks forward to the application prospect of precision compensation technology in aviation manufacturing field, which provides valuable reference for researchers and enterprises in related fields.

Toward precision and efficiency: a bibliometric study on robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty research and development

Aim: With the increasing prevalence of knee diseases affecting human health and quality of life, it is essential to explore more advanced surgical assistive technologies to improve the precision, safety, and success rate of unilateral knee replacement surgery. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (r-UKA) to understand its current status, trends, and future directions. Methods: Retrieve articles about r-UKA in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. Data from 128 selected articles, including author information, publication details, citations, and evidence level, were analyzed. Statistical analyses and data visualizations explored publication and citation trends, research interests, core author groups, and cooperative networks. Results: Interest in r-UKA research has grown, particularly after 2013, which is evident from increased publications and citations. The United States is the largest contributor, followed by the United Kingdom, both of which have prominent medical research institutions and universities actively involved in r-UKA research. Frequent keywords such as “alignment”, “accuracy”, “revision”, and “survivorship” highlight the focus on surgical precision, implant longevity, and patient outcomes. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has gained significant attention, promising improved surgical precision and patient outcomes. Collaboration between researchers and medical institutions globally has driven progress in this field. However, long-term outcomes and clinical efficacy compared to traditional techniques require further investigation. As robotic technology evolves, its application in knee replacement surgery holds potential for better therapeutic effects and advancements toward more accurate, safe, and efficient procedures, benefiting patients and advancing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).

基于扫描上下文和 NDT-ICP 融合方案的果园同步定位与绘图方法研究

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is one of the key technologies for agricultural robots to build maps and localize in complex orchard environments and realize unmanned autonomous operations. Due to the complexity of the orchard environment, the single canopy feature and the diffuse reflection of light caused by the leaves, etc., the map construction process of the orchard environment leads to mismatch and increases the cumulative error of the map construction. Aiming at the above problems, this paper propose a navigation map construction method for orchard environment based on the fusion of Scan Context and NDT-ICP. The method firstly searches the Ring key quickly to get the candidate frames, and scores the similarity between the candidate frames and the current frame, and effectively detects the loopbacks by two-stage searching algorithm to reduce the false matches in the map of orchard environment. Meanwhile, a point cloud alignment method based on the fusion of normal distribution transform coarse alignment and iterative nearest point exact alignment is used to reduce the cumulative error of the orchard environment map. The results show that the improved algorithm compensates the drift of the point cloud map with higher mapping accuracy, better real-time performance, lower resource utilization, higher overlap between the trajectory estimation and the real trajectory, smoother loops, and a 4% reduction in CPU occupancy. In the complex orchard environment, the root mean square error and standard deviation of the trajectories of this paper's algorithm are 0.57 m and 0.19 m, which are 68% and 83% higher than those of the loop detection algorithms in the Lightweight Ground Optimized Lidar Trajectory Measurement and Multivariate Terrain Mapping (LeGO-LOAM), respectively. Accurate map construction and low drift pose estimation can be performed.The research algorithm effectively reduces the influence of mis-matching and large cumulative error in the process of map construction in the orchard environment, meets the demand for high-precision environmental mapping in the orchard environment, and provides technical support for promoting unmanned operation in the orchard environment.

Unlocking maintenance-architecting STEP for maintenance and realizing remountable magnet joints.

The architecture of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) has been developed to enable a hybrid maintenance approach using ports in the vacuum vessel for a limited list of tasks that must be performed shortly after shutdown, and larger openings to simplify and speed up major refits. Robotic handling systems in zero-human entry facilities will prevent workers from being exposed to the most hazardous environments. While the approach is largely grounded in existing technologies, the scale and environment of STEP will require significant technology development. Notably, programmes have been established to develop service connections and in-vessel robotic technologies. The engineering integration of the maintenance strategy into the tokamak remains a priority, as does ongoing work to simplify and reduce the cost of the buildings required to facilitate maintenance. Remountable magnet joints are critical to ensuring life-limited magnet components can be replaced during the STEP lifetime and realizing the STEP maintenance strategy. It is a high-risk endeavour owing to the low technology maturity of the potential solutions and owing to the tough and intertwined technical challenges and constraints imposed by both the fundamental physics and the STEP requirements and architecture. An integrated design approach has been taken to balance many competing factors and integrate with interfacing systems, and a multi-faceted technology development programme has been established to address technical risk and to inform, verify and validate the STEP remountable magnet design. This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy - The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'.