Abstract: A haptic feedback device is disclosed. The haptic feedback device may include at least one texture emulator; a housing at least partially containing the texture emulator; and a controller configured to: receive instructions to provide a texture sensation; and control the texture emulator to apply force to at least one location on a surface based on the received instructions.

Abstract: A foot support structure having: a foot support surface for engagement by a foot of a subject; and a tissue loading alleviation zone within the foot support surface, such that the tissue loading alleviation zone defines a region of the foot support surface configured for optimizing an internal tissue loading state in a volume-of-interest (VOI) in said foot of said subject, and the region has at least one mechanical property value that gradually varies along at least one dimension of the region.

Abstract: A miniature bone mounted robot configured to perform minimally invasive orthopedic surgery coupled with regenerative three-dimensional bio-printing technology to restore cartilage and affected bone. The robot uses a sensor device attached to a holder affixed to the robot activated arm, to map the three-dimensional surface of the bone surface to be treated. The sensor may be a touch sensor, an optical imaging device, or another tool for mapping the bone surface. The robot shapes and prepares the bone surface and subsequently deposits a bio-ink implant in a three-dimensional pattern mimicking the original shape and depth of the articular cartilage. Because the entire procedure is conducted through the robotic platform rigidly mounted on the patients bone, there is no need for registration to preoperative three dimensional images, or for intraoperative tracking. Cell deposition based on mapping of the actual three dimensional anatomy, ensures an optimal outcome.

Abstract: A method comprising: generating a parametrized three-dimensional (3D) body surface model on a training set comprising a plurality of 3D scans of subjects, wherein at least some of said 3D scans are of subjects having a skeletal deformity; receiving one or more target 3D scans of a target subject; optimizing said body surface model with respect to said one or more target 3D scans to calculate a target body surface model of said target subject; training a skeletal estimation model on a training set comprising: (i) body surface models of a plurality of subjects, and (ii) skeletal landmarks sets of said plurality of subjects; and applying said trained skeletal estimation model to said calculated target body surface model of said target subject, to estimate a skeletal shape of said target subject.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radiographic image dataset representing a sequential radiographic scan of a region of a human subject; receiving three-dimensional (3D) image data representing an optical scan of a surface of said region, wherein said 3D image data is performed simultaneously with said sequential radiographic scan; estimating a time-dependent motion of said subject during said acquisition, relative to a specified position, based, at least in part, on said 3D image data; and using said estimating to determine corrections for said radiographic image dataset, based, at least in part, on a known transformation between corresponding coordinate systems of said radiographic image dataset and said 3D image data.

Abstract: A robotic shoe which provides real-time feedback regarding forces acting on the foot of the user, in order to modify these forces in a corrective or diagnostic manner The shoe comprises an insole equipped with embedded pressure sensors enabling it to continuously monitor the ground reaction forces (GRF) and the foot center of pressure (COP) while the user is standing, walking, and running. The insole COP and GRF readings are input to a programmable system that shifts the COP trajectory dynamically in a patient-specific manner via the robotic platform of the shoe. The robotic platform contains motors that control elements whose movement manipulates the forces acting on the foot and lower limb, resulting in modification of the GRF. Closed loop feedback enables a dynamic fit of an optimal COP. The COP and GRF information can be stored for analysis and diagnosis of gait and instability events accruing during locomotion.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engines). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A system that includes a highly articulated robotic probe having a first mechanism comprising a plurality of first links, and a second mechanism comprising a plurality of second links. The second mechanism is configured to surround at least a portion of the first mechanism. The system includes a feeder mechanism configured to advance and retract the highly articulated robotic probe, and a computing device in communication with the feeder mechanism. The computing device is configured to receive two-axis data from an input device, translate the two-axis position data into three-axis coordinate system data, and adjust a position of one or more second mechanism motors based on the three-axis coordinate system data.

Abstract: A robotic link mechanism comprising a pair of base elements connected by a passive flexible joint, such that flexure of the joint changes the mutual orientation of the base elements. A pair of obliquely truncated cylinders are confined between the base elements such that the obliquely formed end surfaces of the cylinders can rotate in sliding contact with each other, and the other end of each cylinder can rotate in sliding contact with its associated base element. Driving motors are attached to the base elements, each one controlled to rotate the cylinder associated with that base element, such that rotation of at least one of the cylinders causes the base elements to undergo change in their mutual orientation. The mechanism thus has a backbone composed of the passive flexible joint, which is supported and actuated by the oblique truncated cylindrical structure that serves as an active exoskeleton.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A robotic link mechanism comprising a pair of base elements connected by a passive flexible joint, such that flexure of the joint changes the mutual orientation of the base elements. A pair of obliquely truncated cylinders are confined between the base elements such that the obliquely formed end surfaces of the cylinders can rotate in sliding contact with each other, and the other end of each cylinder can rotate in sliding contact with its associated base element. Driving motors are attached to the base elements, each one controlled to rotate the cylinder associated with that base element, such that rotation of at least one of the cylinders causes the base elements to undergo change in their mutual orientation. The mechanism thus has a backbone composed of the passive flexible joint, which is supported and actuated by the oblique truncated cylindrical structure that serves as an active exoskeleton.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: A flat sheet of box material has fold lines demarcated thereon for forming the sheet into a rectangular box for containing and protecting articles. Inflatable air pouches are secured to portions of the sheet which become the inner walls of the top, bottom and sides of the box. Air passages communicate the pouches with each other and an air vale enables simultaneous inflation of the pouches after the box has been filled and closed. Assembly of boxes at factories or elsewhere is facilitated as it is not necessary to insert liners or add other cushioning material at that time.