Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a mannequin to emulate a human body part. The mannequin includes a core that emulates flexibility of a substantially inflexible skeletal portion of the body part, and a pliant covering. The pliant covering includes a pliant three-dimensional surface that emulates contours of an epidermis of the body part, and at least one pliant three-dimensional interior portion to emulate resiliency of a pliant portion of the body part. At least one pressure sensor is arranged between the three-dimensional surface and the core to sense pressure applied against the pliant three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating the insertion of a device via cannulation include an external shell which is at least partially filled with a silicone material, a simulated venous flow path, a simulated arterial flow path, one or more pumps to provide fluid to these flow paths, and a visible atrium in fluid communication with the venous flow path. The venous and arterial flow paths are made of flexible and distensible tubing, which is at least partially embedded within the silicone material in cannulation regions, and which is configured to be pierced to allow for insertion of a device therein. The atrium comprises a translucent front wall to enable, before, during, or after insertion of the device, visible inspection inside of the atrium.

Abstract: A prosthetic torso assembly includes a support structure at least partially in a shape of a human torso, where the support structure is formed by a lattice network of rigid material, and a synthetic skin disposed over the support structure and connected to the support structure. The synthetic skin has a thickness, includes silicone or ballistic gel, and is configured to imitate a human torso.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a mannequin to emulate a human body part. The mannequin includes a core that emulates flexibility of a substantially inflexible skeletal portion of the body part, and a pliant covering. The pliant covering includes a pliant three-dimensional surface that emulates contours of an epidermis of the body part, and at least one pliant three-dimensional interior portion to emulate resiliency of a pliant portion of the body part. At least one pressure sensor is arranged between the three-dimensional surface and the core to sense pressure applied against the pliant three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a vessel and a sensor apparatus. The vessel holds a fluid having a predetermined density and at least partly immerses at least one three-dimensional object having a predetermined buoyancy. The sensor apparatus senses a three-dimensional form of the three-dimensional object while at least partly immersed in the fluid and provides a data model representative of the sensed three-dimensional form at least partly immersed in the fluid. The predetermined density of the fluid renders the three-dimensional object substantially buoyancy-neutral.

Abstract: A prosthetic torso assembly includes a support structure at least partially in a shape of a human torso, where the support structure is formed by a lattice network of rigid material, and a synthetic skin disposed over the support structure and connected to the support structure. The synthetic skin has a thickness, includes silicone or ballistic gel, and is configured to imitate a human torso.

Abstract: Analyzing a prosthetic torso with synthetic skin and breast tissue includes monitoring a movement of a prosthetic torso with a sensor, and determining, based on data from the sensor, a viscoelastic characteristic of the prosthetic torso. The movement can include at least one of a jumping motion, a walking motion, or a running motion.

Abstract: In one aspect, tensegrity structures or apparatus are described herein comprising rings or hoops. Briefly, a tensegrity structure comprises a plurality of rings spaced apart along a central axis and connected by struts, wherein the struts are coupled to a force actuator assembly via cables, the force actuator assembly residing within a volume defined by the struts. In some embodiments, the tensegrity structure employs three struts for connecting the rings, although any desired number of struts is possible. Moreover, cables can extend from opposing ends of the force actuator assembly to couple with the struts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating the insertion of a device via cannulation include an external shell which is at least partially filled with a silicone material, a simulated venous flow path, a simulated arterial flow path, one or more pumps to provide fluid to these flow paths, and a visible atrium in fluid communication with the venous flow path. The venous and arterial flow paths are made of flexible and distensible tubing, which is at least partially embedded within the silicone material in cannulation regions, and which is configured to be pierced to allow for insertion of a device therein. The atrium comprises a translucent front wall to enable, before, during, or after insertion of the device, visible inspection inside of the atrium.