Robotic Technology Research Articles

The Effect of Assistive Robotic Technologies on Quality of Life and Functional Independence in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: To investigate the effect of assistive robotic technologies on quality of life, functional independence, and perceived fatigue level during exertion in individuals with spinal cord injury. Method: This research involved a cohort of 25 patients who had been diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI). To assess their progress, clinical assessments were administered both at the commencement and completion of a six-week treatment regimen. The evaluations encompassed the use of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) to measure their performance in daily living activities and mobility. Additionally, the quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale – Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, while the levels of fatigue experienced during rehabilitation were gauged using the Modified Borg Scale (RPE). Results: The participants' average age and BMI were 40.72±1.28 and 23.43±0.57. Statistically significant differences were found in self-care (p=0.006) and mobility (p=0.004) values of SCIM III scale compared to pretreatment values. WHOQOL-BREF General health status, Physical health, Psychological, Social relations and Environment sub-parameters all showed statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment values (p=0.001). There was a significant decrease in the RPE value to determine the level of fatigue during exertion in robotic walking training (p

Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Advances in lung cancer and interventional pulmonology.

Eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening increasingly need to consider family history of lung cancer, as well as age and smoking status. Lung cancer screening will reveal a multitude of incidental findings, of variable clinical significance, and with a need for clear pathways of management. Pulmonary nodule sampling is enhanced by intra-procedural imaging and cutting-edge robotic technology. Systematic thoracic lymph node sampling has implications for treatment efficacy. Bronchoscopic ablative techniques are feasible for peripheral lung cancers. Bronchoscopic sampling continues to have a high yield for lung cancer molecular characterization. Immunotherapy indications have expanded to include early stage and resectable lung cancer.

1170 Bridging the Gap in Surgical Robotics Education

Abstract Aim Despite rapid evolution of surgical robotics systems, training opportunities are very limited especially for medical students and junior doctors. We organised a free-of-charge regional robotics workshop in collaboration with CMR Surgical with the goal of increasing exposure to surgical robotics technology. We also evaluated the delegates’ perception on current surgical robotics training and the workshop. Method CMR Surgical was invited to exhibit their Versius® robot and Virtual-Reality trainer for a one-day workshop at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester. The workshop was advertised across universities and hospital trusts in East Midlands. Registration form included pre-workshop questionnaire which assessed the motivation and barriers to attending surgical robotics courses, and their familiarity with robotics surgery. After 1-hour hands-on exercise supervised by consultants and CMR Surgical trainers, delegates were asked to complete post-workshop questionnaire to evaluate shift in familiarity, interest, and confidence in basic robotic skills. Results 75 delegates registered with 93% having never attended similar workshop before and the barriers were perceiving that robotics surgery skills are for advanced surgeons only (37%), cost (26%), no accessible courses (24%), time constraints (9%) and others (4%). The primary motivation to attend this workshop were learning basic robotic skills (49%), exploring innovative technology (44%) and networking (7%). 30 delegates were shortlisted for 1-hour hands-on experience into six groups consisting of 18 students and 12 junior doctors. Post-workshop feedback showed a positive shift in familiarity, interest, and confidence in basic robotic skills. Delegates also expressed increased interest in surgical specialties after this workshop. They also found VR station was enjoyable and believed it has potential in training future robotic surgeons. Conclusions These findings highlight the feasibility and importance of creating accessible training opportunities to bridge the gap in surgical robotics education.

Historical landmarks in the development of robotic coronary bypass grafting.

Robotic technology was first used in history for the minimally invasive surgical treatment of coronary artery disease. In 1998, the first operations were carried out at the Hôpital Broussais in Paris. Thereafter, several European and United States (US) centers developed surgical concepts for robotically assisted internal mammary artery harvesting and the construction of the anastomoses, either through minithoracotomy or in a totally endoscopic fashion. Initial experiences were documented in a number of single and multicenter series published in the early and mid-2000s. Key steps in further procedure development included the introduction of a robotic endostabilizer for beating heart completely endoscopic operations, the combination with percutaneous coronary intervention in hybrid approaches, the introduction of second, third, and fourth generations of surgical robots with improvements in each iteration, the availability of anastomotic devices, and most recently, the emergence of new robotic technology companies producing interesting alternatives to the existing machines. The larger clinical series included 500 to over 1,000 patients, with clinical results that well justified the continued application of robotics. Development of robotic coronary bypass grafting has generally been slow, but at committed centers, the procedures are routine, reproducible, safe, and effective. Over 25 years of development, robotic surgical coronary revascularization has become an important component in the armamentarium of minimally invasive heart surgery.

A Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Versus Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Following Lung Cancer Surgery at a Tertiary Hospital in the United Kingdom: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is gaining popularity in lung resection surgeries; however, its quality outcome measures require further evaluation. This study compared the short-term perioperative outcomes of lung resection surgeries performed using RATS and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) at a tertiary hospital in the UK. We performed a retrospective comparative analysis of 496 patients who underwent lung resection surgery at Castle Hill Hospital in the UK between January 2021 and April 2024. In the pre-matched cohort, 162 patients underwent RATS compared to 334 who underwent VATS. Using propensity matching based on the patient's forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) percentage of predicted age and body mass index (BMI), we included 324 patients in the analysis. Of these, 162 underwent RATS, and 162 underwent VATS, demonstrating satisfactory performance indicators. The results from our analysis depicted that RATS had a significantly lower rate of prolonged air leak (≥7 minutes) than VATS (5.5% versus 7.1%, mean difference -1.32, 95% CI: -0.89-3.08, p = 0.034). RATS patients also had shorter duration of hospital stay (3.8 ± 4.1 days versus 4.7 ± 4.8, mean difference -0.901, 95% CI: -1.886-0.084; p = 0.073) and had more mediastinal lymph node dissections (39.5% versus 35.2%) than VATS. However, the proportion of patients who were upstaged after histopathological analysis of the resected lymph nodes was not different between the two groups. Furthermore, the groups had no significant differences regarding the infection rate, intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) use, and theatre return. Robotic and video-assisted technologies produced equivalent results for the majority of the short-term outcomes evaluated. Additional research is necessary to confirm RATS's efficacy and determine its potential advantages over VATS for lung resection surgeries.

Role of Robotics in Transforming Orthodontic Practice – A Narrative Review

Abstract The dental specialty of orthodontics is moving toward a modern era of dental medicine assisted by robots. The advent of artificial intelligence in the field of technology has led to the emergence of robotics which has remarkably changed the orthodontic scenario in today’s world. The latest technology of robotics has various applications in the field of orthodontics to facilitate better treatment outcomes. From the management and diagnosis of treatment for orthodontic patients to helping orthodontists in patient care, robots have played a vital role. The blooming augmented reality with the latest concept of nanotechnology has paved the way for the production of robots and nanorobots, covering the broader areas of medical science. However, modern robot technology has not been introduced completely to orthodontic research; hence, this review highlights the application of robots and the futuristic aspects of artificial intelligence in orthodontics.

Autonomous navigation method based on RGB‐D camera for a crop phenotyping robot

AbstractPhenotyping robots have the potential to obtain crop phenotypic traits on a large scale with high throughput. Autonomous navigation technology for phenotyping robots can significantly improve the efficiency of phenotypic traits collection. This study developed an autonomous navigation method utilizing an RGB‐D camera, specifically designed for phenotyping robots in field environments. The PP‐LiteSeg semantic segmentation model was employed due to its real‐time and accurate segmentation capabilities, enabling the distinction of crop areas in images captured by the RGB‐D camera. Navigation feature points were extracted from these segmented areas, with their three‐dimensional coordinates determined from pixel and depth information, facilitating the computation of angle deviation (α) and lateral deviation (d). Fuzzy controllers were designed with α and d as inputs for real‐time deviation correction during the walking of phenotyping robot. Additionally, the method includes end‐of‐row recognition and row spacing calculation, based on both visible and depth data, enabling automatic turning and row transition. The experimental results showed that the adopted PP‐LiteSeg semantic segmentation model had a testing accuracy of 95.379% and a mean intersection over union of 90.615%. The robot's navigation demonstrated an average walking deviation of 1.33 cm, with a maximum of 3.82 cm. Additionally, the average error in row spacing measurement was 2.71 cm, while the success rate of row transition at the end of the row was 100%. These findings indicate that the proposed method provides effective support for the autonomous operation of phenotyping robots.

Модели малокомпонентной робототехники для камерной выемки

In the case of chamber mining of solid minerals, the number of downhole equip ment is sharply reduced, and robotics (a combine harvester, a turning scraper conveyor, and self-propelled manipulators) can be used instead. Positioning of complex mechanisms is performed using the Adams dynamic programming package based on hinges with movement along lines, in plane and in volume (Revolute joint, Translational joint, Primitives, Planar). The design schemes of these mechanisms, the features of the trajectory of movement, the distri bution of reactions in the hinges, and their acceleration were established; Studies have been conducted to substantiate them and clarify the scope of application. A testing information system has been created to monitor the results of multibody models. It is implemented on the basis of the experimentally analytical Artobolevsky method, using discrete cycles of move ment of mechanisms in a spreadsheet. This makes it possible to develop basic robotics designs and technologies for their application to a small-component chamber excavation. This makes it possible to develop basic technological designs of robotics and schemes for their application to a small-component chamber excavation. The results obtained can be used to analyze the manufacture and strength of parts, areas of their intense wear.

Modeling and Simulation of 4-DOF RRPR Manipulator Robot Using MATLAB

In recent decades, the rapid development of robotic technology has increased the demand for efficient and affordable robots, especially in the manufacturing industry. One type of robot that is commonly used is the robotic arm, which is capable of performing complex tasks with high precision and speed. This research focuses on the modeling and simulation of a 4-DOF RRPR robot manipulator using MATLAB software, including the SimScape Multibody Toolbox and Robotic System Toolbox. This study investigates various aspects of robot performance, such as joint angles, end-effector coordinates, and robot dynamics. With an emphasis on simulation, this research aims to accelerate the development of robotic technology and minimize the risks associated with physical implementation in the field. The simulation results provide valuable insights for improving the efficiency, precision, and reliability of robot manipulators in various applications. Furthermore, this research suggests future research directions, such as the exploration of advanced control systems to dynamically compensate for disturbances and the investigation of robots with higher degrees of freedom for more adaptive technology in challenging operational conditions.

How AI and Robotics Will Advance Interventional Radiology: Narrative Review and Future Perspectives.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics has led to significant progress in various medical fields including interventional radiology (IR). This review focuses on the research progress and applications of AI and robotics in IR, including deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) across specialties such as oncology, neurology, and cardiology, aiming to explore potential directions in future interventional treatments. To ensure the breadth and depth of this review, we implemented a systematic literature search strategy, selecting research published within the last five years. We conducted searches in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar to find relevant literature. Special emphasis was placed on selecting large-scale studies to ensure the comprehensiveness and reliability of the results. This review summarizes the latest research directions and developments, ultimately analyzing their corresponding potential and limitations. It furnishes essential information and insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, potentially propelling advancements and innovations within the domains of AI and IR. Finally, our findings indicate that although AI and robotics technologies are not yet widely applied in clinical settings, they are evolving across multiple aspects and are expected to significantly improve the processes and efficacy of interventional treatments.

E-Waste Management in Serbia, Focusing on the Possibility of Applying Automated Separation Using Robots

To encourage proper waste management for electrical and electronic devices (e-waste), it is necessary to invest heavily in the development of recycling technologies. One way to improve the process is to automate separating the shredded parts of e-waste using a robot. This paper’s literature review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, showcases potential robotic technologies for e-waste separation. However, the intricate design of these devices can pose significant challenges in their implementation. Various legal, organizational, and sociological obstacles have left Serbia’s e-waste management practice underdeveloped, resulting in an unsatisfactory recycling rate. In this paper, we examined the possibility of using robots in the precise example of recycling refrigerators in a recycling center in Eastern Serbia, concluding that such a solution would have multiple positive effects, both on the employees and the working environment, on the operations of the recycling center itself, and on increasing the e-waste recycling rate in the country.

Control Robotic Arm Workstation Using IoT System for Education

Robotics play an important role in the era of modern technology. Robots can be defined as mechanical devices programmed to perform manipulative tasks under automatic control. Robotic arm is usually used in conjunction with aids such as machines and fixtures. As advancement in robot technology have become an integral part of automation in the manufacturing process. This research gives an idea of how robotic arm can be controlled using internet systems. Therefore, it also a way to reduce the risk of humans being in dangerous areas. The emergence of technology has managed to witness the evolvement of a new era known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The purpose of the research is to control robotic arm workstation using IoT system for education. The research is use Arduino uno Wi-Fi microcontroller and blink application to control IoT system. By using Arduino microcontroller, the robotic arm can directly connect to the internet. Therefore, the implementation of control robotic arm using IoT based on internet connectivity of students.

Challenges of Robotic Technology in Sustainable Construction Practice

This review discusses new technologies in the construction industry, such as digitalization, automation, and robotization, which have an impact on improving sustainable construction in the digital transformation in the era of Industry 4.0. This review focuses specifically on the impact of robotic technology on the triad of sustainable construction: economy, environment, and society. Current trends in the construction industry related to common data environments (CDEs), building information modeling (BIM), construction robots (CRs), and bricklaying robots (BRs) are highlighted. Robotics technology used throughout the construction industry in a sustainable construction context is presented, including bricklaying, plastering, painting, welding, prefabrication, and material handling. New trends in robotics technology with respect to robotic bricklaying are presented, and the first mobile robotic bricklaying system (RBS) in Poland, which was designed, modeled, simulated, and built from scratch, is distinguished. The RBS was tested under laboratory conditions and verified on the construction site. Included are the main factors that make it impossible to spread robotic technology on construction sites, and furthermore, many solutions are proposed to problems associated with the robotic transformation. The discussed robotic technology is not limited only to a purely technical approach but takes into account challenges corresponding to the circular economy.

Design And Develop Robotic Arm For People With Disable Hands Using EMG And Gyroscope Sensor Control

Robotics technology is currently developing rapidly, including in the medical field. In this world there are many people with hand disabilities or patients who have amputations on their wrists, so they experience difficulties in carrying out their daily activities using their hands, such as to grasp objects. Then the thought arose to conduct research, with the aim of creating a Robotic Arm that could recognize 2 movements, namely the opening and clenching of the fingers like a hand in general. The Electromyogram sensor is used as a Robotic Arm control system, while the Gyroscope with Arduino as the control center. Based on the overall test results, the Robotic Arm can be moved with muscle contractions and user gestures to open and clench finger movements.

Simulation of Dynamic Path Planning of Symmetrical Trajectory of Mobile Robots Based on Improved A* and Artificial Potential Field Fusion for Natural Resource Exploration

With the rapid development of new-generation artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technology, mobile robot technology has been widely used in various fields. Among them, the autonomous path-planning technology of mobile robots is one of the cores for realizing their autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance. This study conducts an in-depth discussion on the real-time and dynamic obstacle avoidance capabilities of mobile robot path planning. First, we proposed a preprocessing method for obstacles in the grid map, focusing on the closed processing of the internal space of concave obstacles to ensure the feasibility of the path while effectively reducing the number of grid nodes searched by the A* algorithm, thereby improving path search efficiency. Secondly, in order to achieve static global path planning, this study adopts the A algorithm. However, in practice, algorithm A has problems such as a large number of node traversals, low search efficiency, redundant path nodes, and uneven turning angles. To solve these problems, we optimized the A* algorithm, focusing on optimizing the heuristic function and weight coefficient to reduce the number of node traversals and improve search efficiency. In addition, we use the Bezier curve method to smooth the path and remove redundant nodes, thereby reducing the turning angle. Then, in order to achieve dynamic local path planning, this study adopts the artificial potential field method. However, the artificial potential field method has the problems of unreachable target points and local minima. In order to solve these problems, we optimized the repulsion field so that the target point is at the lowest point of the global energy of the gravitational field and the repulsive field and eliminated the local optimal point. Finally, for the path-planning problem of mobile robots in dynamic environments, this study proposes a hybrid path-planning method based on a combination of the improved A* algorithm and the artificial potential field method. In this study, we not only focus on the efficiency of mobile robot path planning and real-time dynamic obstacle avoidance capabilities but also pay special attention to the symmetry of the final path. By introducing symmetry, we can more intuitively judge whether the path is close to the optimal state. Symmetry is an important criterion for us to evaluate the performance of the final path.

Cooperative path planning study of distributed multi-mobile robots based on optimised ACO algorithm

The rapid development of robotics technology has driven the growth of robot types and the development of related technologies. As an important aspect of robot research, path planning technology plays an irreplaceable role in practical production and application. Ant colony algorithm has a wide range of applications in robot path planning, but there is also a problem of performance overly relying on initial parameter selection. In order to solve this problem and improve the performance of mobile robot path planning, an improved ant colony algorithm based on firefly algorithm was studied and designed in a two-dimensional environment. In order to further explore the performance of ant colony algorithm in solving robot coordinated path planning problems, an improved ant colony algorithm based on heuristic function was also designed. In a three-dimensional environment, an improved ant colony algorithm based on the improved artificial potential field method was designed. The research results show that the maximum running time of the improved ant colony algorithm based on the firefly algorithm in different grid environments is 819.36 s, 847.01 s, and 811.54 s, respectively. The average running time of the improved ant colony algorithm based on heuristic function in different grid environments is 5.19 s, 5.97 s, and 9.09 s, with average path lengths of 29.90 cm, 31.08 cm, and 37.01 cm, and path length variances of 0.35, 0.87, and 2.21, respectively. The ant colony algorithm based on the improved artificial potential field method has a running time of 1.930 s, 3.182 s, and 4.662 s in different grid environments, and a path length of 29.275 cm, 49.447 cm, and 67.057 cm, respectively. The ant colony algorithm for research and design optimization has good performance. The contribution of the research lies in the design of three path planning methods for mobile robots, including two-dimensional path planning and three-dimensional path planning, which improves the time of path planning and shortens the average path length. The novelty of the research is reflected in the design of a path planning method for mobile robots in two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments, which improves the ant colony algorithm through firefly algorithm and heuristic function, and combines the ant colony algorithm with the improved artificial potential field method. The method designed by the research institute can provide technical support for path planning of mobile robots.

Robot-aided assessment and associated brain lesions of impaired ankle proprioception in chronic stroke

BackgroundImpaired ankle proprioception strongly predicts balance dysfunction in chronic stroke. However, only sparse data on ankle position sense and no systematic data on ankle motion sense dysfunction in stroke are available. Moreover, the lesion sites underlying impaired ankle proprioception have not been comprehensively delineated. Using robotic technology, this study quantified ankle proprioceptive deficits post-stroke and determined the associated brain lesions.MethodsTwelve adults with chronic stroke and 13 neurotypical adults participated. A robot passively plantarflexed a participant’s ankle to two distinct positions or at two distinct velocities. Participants subsequently indicated which of the two movements was further/faster. Based on the stimulus-response data, psychometric just-noticeable-difference (JND) thresholds and intervals of uncertainty (IU) were derived as measures on proprioceptive bias and precision. To determine group differences, Welch’s t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test were performed for the JND threshold and IU, respectively. Voxel-based lesion subtraction analysis identified the brain lesions associated with observed proprioceptive deficits in adults with stroke.Results83% of adults with stroke exhibited abnormalities in either position or motion sense, or both. JND and IU measures were significantly elevated compared to the control group (Position sense: + 77% in JND, + 148% in IU; Motion sense: +153% in JND, + 78% in IU). Adults with stroke with both impaired ankle position and motion sense had lesions in the parietal, frontal, and temporoparietal regions.ConclusionsThis is the first study to document the magnitude and frequency of ankle position and motion sense impairment in adults with chronic stroke. Proprioceptive dysfunction was characterized by elevated JND thresholds and increased uncertainty in perceiving ankle position/motion. Furthermore, the associated cortical lesions for impairment in both proprioceptive senses were largely overlapping.

Evaluation of the External Rotation of the Femur Component in Functionally Aligned Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background The conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for grade 4 knee arthritis lacks individualized strategies for determining femur component rotation, contributing to suboptimal clinical outcomes and heightened patient dissatisfaction. Methods One hundred consecutive active robotic-assisted TKA (RA-TKA) patients were retrospectively evaluated. The control group is the patients undergoing conventional TKA for grade 4 arthritis of the knee joint, where the femoral component is placed in a fixed 3-degreeexternal rotation. The study aimed to explore the relationships between the posterior femoral axis of the functionally aligned TKA (FAA), the trans-epicondylar axis (TEA), and the posterior condylar axis (PCA). Specifically, it investigated whether there is a statistically significant difference in femoral component rotation between the functionally aligned TKA (FTKA) and the conventional 3-degrees of external rotation of the femoral component used in traditional TKA (C-TKA). Internal rotation is indicated by a negative value for the femur component. A student's t-test was employed to compare mean rotation values between FTKA and C-TKA, with a p-value below 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results A total of 100 patients (male: female, 11:89) were studied. The FAA was externally rotated in relation to the TEA (mean 1.451°, SD 1.023°, p-value <0.0001). As regards the PCA, the FAA was externally rotated (mean 2.36°, SD 2.221°, p-value 0.0002). These findings demonstrate a statistically significant difference in femoral component rotation between FTKA and C-TKA. Clinically, no patellofemoral complications or premature loosening were observed at one-year follow-up. Conclusion Functional alignment TKA technique resulted in external rotation of the femur component with respect to TEA and PCA. This negates the null hypothesis, indicating a statistically significant difference amongst the femur component rotation implanted according to the FTKA concept with robotic assisted technology and C-TKA.

Development of an Underwater Detection Robot for the Structures with Pile Foundation

Addressing the challenges for detecting underwater damage to the structures with pile foundation, this study presents the design of an adsorption-operated robotic system. Initially, a prototype is proposed for an adsorption-operated robot that is equipped with an automatic movement mechanism. To account for the disturbance of the drag force in the control system, a hydrodynamic numerical model for the detection robot is established. The numerical results of the drag force are then integrated into the control system, leading to the design of a force-redeemed active disturbance rejection controller. Furthermore, a novel detection algorithm based on the image segmentation network UNet is developed for the automatic identification of damages. The performance of the controller and detection algorithm is evaluated against traditional methods. The results indicate that the proposed force-redeemed active disturbance rejection controller outperforms traditional PID and ADR controllers in terms of overshoot and adjustment time. Moreover, the developed detection algorithm exhibits superior performance in precision, F1 score, and mean intersection over union compared to the traditional algorithms of FCN, PSPnet, Deeplabv3, and UNet. Overall, this paper advances the technology of autonomous robots for underwater detection in the structures with pile foundation.

Robot-Assisted Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Insertion

Cochlear implants (CIs) are recognized as a safe and effective treatment for auditory rehabilitation for people of all ages with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. As the indications for CIs have expanded, recent advances in technology have focused mostly on preserving residual hearing. Because trauma to the internal structure of the cochlea can affect residual hearing, development has been focused on minimally invasive surgical procedures using robot technology along with the growth of interest in the field of CI surgery over the recent years. Maintaining a slow, steady rate of electrode insertion is widely accepted as an important factor associated with reduced intraoperative inner ear trauma and improved postoperative hearing outcomes. The use of robots have resulted in maintaining a slow rate of electrode insertion and reduced the degree of innate hand tremor in the movement of electrode array. We hereby present our experience of a successful robotic CI using iotaSOFT (iotaMotion, Inc.) and also present a review of the literature.