Abstract: Device with isotropic planar compliance comprising a floating body (2) positioned between a first (3) and second frame (4), said floating body having an extended portion (21) protruding through the first frame, at least a row of caged balls (5) supporting the floating body, at least one elastic element (6) positioned over the extended portion of the floating body, compressed between and connecting the floating body and the first frame. Said caged balls allow the at least one elastic element to laterally deform, so that their axis bends, while the ends of said at least one elastic element lay on two parallel planes, which remain at constant distance while sliding one with respect to the other. The device comprises also at least one displacement sensor (10), for measuring the displacement of the floating body with respect to the first or second frame.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a robotic device for assistance and rehabilitation of lower limbs, in particular, an exoskeleton for supporting the walking of a human being.

Abstract: A locomotion device and related methods for navigation into an intracorporeal cavity such as a gastrointestinal tract are described. The locomotion device is based upon rotating pinching organs, associated actuators, and transmission systems wherein the rotating pinching organs are placed side by side and rotate in an opposite direction in order to draw and retain a tissue portion and establish an anchoring point of the locomotion device onto the substratum.

Abstract: A device for generating an adjustable adhesion force on a wet substrate is described. The device has a main body with an adhesion surface which, in use, arranges itself facing the substrate, at such adhesion surface the main body having a plurality of channels generating a capillary return for water present on the substrate. A delivery and/or reservoir system for silicone oil, providing the latter at the adhesion surface, so that silicone oil arranges itself interposed between the surface itself and the water on the substrate. A static electric field generating system generates a static electric field at the adhesion surface. Such electric field modifies the wettability of silicone oil with respect to the adhesion surface.

Abstract: A locomotion device and related methods for navigation into an intracorporeal cavity such as a gastrointestinal tract are described. The locomotion device is based upon rotating pinching organs, associated actuators, and transmission systems wherein the rotating pinching organs are placed side by side and rotate in an opposite direction in order to draw and retain a tissue portion and establish an anchoring point of the locomotion device onto the substratum.

Abstract: An electric energy generator from a vibrational field includes a body of non-ferromagnetic material, at least one pair of permanent magnets pivotally hung from the body in such a way that they are arranged therebetween. The magnets have faces of equal magnetic polarity turned to each other from opposite sides of the body, whereby a repulsive force is established between the magnets tending to keep them spread apart in an equilibrium position. A plurality of electric coils is arranged on the surface of the body so as to intercept the magnetic field generated by the magnets. The body is configured to be connectable to a vibration source, the vibration contrasting the repulsive force and causing an oscillation of the magnets about the equilibrium position, thereby generating a magnetic flux variation and thus an electric power production as an output from the electric coils.

Abstract: A teleoperated endoscopic capsule for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes inside an animal body cavity, comprising a body (1) with a plurality of locomotion modules (5) placed on its surface, suitable for moving said body in the body cavity. The capsule also comprises an energy source inside said body and a microcontroller in the body (1) for actuating the locomotion modules (5) on the basis of commands teletransmitted by an operator. A video camera is then provided for capturing images controlled by said microcontroller and a transceiver system for receiving the commands teletransmitted by the operator and for transmitting the images gained through the video camera.

Abstract: An electric energy generator from a vibrational field includes a body of non-ferromagnetic material, at least one pair of permanent magnets pivotally hung from the body in such a way that they are arranged therebetween. The magnets have faces of equal magnetic polarity turned to each other from opposite sides of the body, whereby a repulsive force is established between the magnets tending to keep them spread apart in an equilibrium position. A plurality of electric coils is arranged on the surface of the body so as to intercept the magnetic field generated by the magnets. The body is configured to be connectable to a vibration source, the vibration contrasting the repulsive force and causing an oscillation of the magnets about the equilibrium position, thereby generating a magnetic flux variation and thus an electric power production as an output from the electric coils.

Abstract: A bistable minivalve includes a movable component, an actuator that is electrostatically, magnetically, or mechanically coupled to the movable component for controllably switching the movable component between open and closed states, and a casing providing structural support. The movable component has an actuation surface [300] movably positioned in the valve conduit and a bistable element attached to the actuation surface providing mechanical stability to the open and closed states of the movable component. The bistable element may be realized as a pair of elastic buckling beams [302, 304] attached at their midpoints to opposite sides of the actuation surface. Optionally, there may also be elastic support beams [306, 308] attached at their endpoints to the actuation surface and attached at their midpoints to the elastic buckling beams.

Abstract: A teleoperated endoscopic capsule for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes inside an animal body cavity, comprising a body (1) with a plurality of locomotion modules (5) placed on its surface, suitable for moving said body in the body cavity. The capsule also comprises an energy source inside said body and a microcontroller in the body (1) for actuating the locomotion modules (5) on the basis of commands teletransmitted by an operator. A video camera is then provided for capturing images controlled by said microcontroller and a transceiver system for receiving the commands teletransmitted by the operator and for transmitting the images gained through the video camera.

Abstract: A bistable minivalve includes a movable component, an actuator that is electrostatically, magnetically, or mechanically coupled to the movable component for controllably switching the movable component between open and closed states, and a casing providing structural support. The movable component has an actuation surface [300] movably positioned in the valve conduit and a bistable element attached to the actuation surface providing mechanical stability to the open and closed states of the movable component. The bistable element may be realized as a pair of elastic buckling beams [302, 304] attached at their midpoints to opposite sides of the actuation surface. Optionally, there may also be elastic support beams [306, 308] attached at their endpoints to the actuation surface and attached at their midpoints to the elastic buckling beams.