Researchers from Harvard and Boston universities have designed a soft, wearable robot that can help people living with Parkinson’s disease walk without freezing –the most common and debilitating symptoms of the disease. The robotic garment, worn around the hips and thighs, gives a gentle push to the hips as the leg swings, helping the patient achieve a longer stride. When … [Read more...] about Robotic garment helps Parkinson’s sufferers to walk
Medical
MIT engineers design a robotic replica of the heart’s right chamber
A team of MIT engineers has developed a robotic replica of the heart’s right ventricle that mimics the beating and blood-pumping action of live hearts. The robo-ventricle combines real heart tissue with synthetic, balloon-like artificial muscles that enable scientists to control the ventricle’s contractions while observing how its natural valves and other intricate structures … [Read more...] about MIT engineers design a robotic replica of the heart’s right chamber
Scientists design self-powered ultraviolet-C device for food sanitisation
Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a portable, self-powered ultraviolet-C device that can inactivate two of the bacteria responsible for many foodborne illnesses and deaths. Dubbed the Tribo-sanitizer, the device’s UVC lamp is powered using the triboelectric effect – electricity that’s generated when two dissimilar materials come into … [Read more...] about Scientists design self-powered ultraviolet-C device for food sanitisation
3D-printing breakthrough promises personalised prosthetic devices anywhere in the world
Lower-limb prosthetic sockets could soon be printed in remote locations and even in users’ homes, thanks to a groundbreaking process developed by manufacturing experts at Loughborough University. Simin Li, a senior lecturer in mechanics of biomaterials in the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, has pioneered a fully digital design-to-manufacturing … [Read more...] about 3D-printing breakthrough promises personalised prosthetic devices anywhere in the world
Young engineering star lands gold at national awards
A school pupil whose engineering talents were discovered at the University in Sunderland has gone on to win a top prize at a prestigious national awards ceremony in London for her children’s hospital invention. Francesca Mobberley of Dame Allan’s Junior School in Newcastle first wowed a panel of engineering experts in 2022 with her Unicorn Health Bot (Unibot), which is … [Read more...] about Young engineering star lands gold at national awards