In contrast to using the standard robot controller, Cognibotics solution enables the robot to be commanded in different ways as AI and planning modules require – supporting consistent, maintainable, yet dynamic instrument handling in a non-clinical paediatric heart surgery research testbed.

From surgical data to motion demonstrator

CAISA is a collaboration between Region Skåne (Paediatric Heart Centre at Skåne University Hospital), Lund University, Cognibotics and Cobotic. The project is funded by Vinnova with SEK 10 million and runs from September 2024 to August 2027.

In the initial phase, several key building blocks have been put in place:

1. Large-scale surgical video dataset for model development – The Paediatric Heart Centre has collected a surgical video database of more than 3,000 hours. This data is used to train AI models that recognise and estimate the pose of instruments, hands, and cardiac anatomy.
2. Full-scale testbed for validation – On the hospital campus, an innovation and testbed facility of approximately 350 m² includes a full operating room environment, with the possibility to work with donated bodies for research. This provides a controlled setting for evaluating robotics and safety functions before any clinical deployment is considered.
3. Clear requirement for a demonstrator – In the Vinnova project description, the creation, testing, and validation of a demonstrator in this dedicated test environment is an explicit goal. The project is now entering this demonstrator phase.

Cognibotics: motion-control layer for an AI-guided assistant

Within CAISA, Cognibotics focuses on the motion layer that connects multiple “ways of commanding” the robot. Cognibotics provides a unified motion interface where perception, planning, and application logic can drive motion in a consistent, predictable way in the testbed environment.

By bringing experience from high-precision industrial robots into the surgical research context, Cognibotics contributes methods for:

• Model-based motion control with attention to environment constraints
• Fine-grained positioning in a confined workspace around the patient
• Motion behaviours that can support safe, repeatable interactions between human surgeon, instruments and robot.

“In CAISA we are combining world-class paediatric heart surgery, advanced AI and Cognibotics’ expertise in motion control. The robot must not only ‘understand’ the situation, it also has to move instruments in a way that feels natural, safe and repeatable for the whole team. Cognibotics provides that industrial-grade motion layer, which is essential if an AI assistant is to be used in real operating rooms,” said Phan-Kiet Tran, senior consultant in paediatric heart surgery at Skåne University Hospital and associate professor at Lund University.

From industry to future surgical applications

Cognibotics’ motion technology is already used in demanding industrial settings such as high-speed warehouse robots and precision machining. CAISA extends that expertise into the medical research domain, exploring how a similar motion-control foundation can support future AI-guided surgical assistants.

The demonstrator developed in CAISA is strictly a research platform in a non-clinical environment. However, the project aims to build the technical and clinical understanding needed for future systems where AI, surgeons and robots work together more safely and efficiently.

The new project, Remote Embodied Action and Control Hub (REACH), will use elevated telexistence technology, which enables a person to manoeuvre a robot while experiencing a realistic, real-time sensation from a remote location. It will help to tackle a critical challenge the Ministry of Defence (MOD) faces in protecting personnel from the escalating dangers of modern conflict.

David King, head of digital design at the AMRC, is leading the project which is backed by £1.6 million from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), part of the MOD.

He said: “Current remote robotic systems help keep people out of harm’s way, but they are limited and often lack the fine motor skills, situational awareness and intuitive control required for complex operations. Because the operator can’t feel what they are touching or see clearly, simple tasks become difficult and dangerous to perform.

“Project REACH moves beyond incremental improvements to deliver a definitive step-change in capability. Transforming high-fidelity telexistence from a theoretical concept into a robust, deployable reality.

“We are developing a human-centric system that gives an operator the dexterity and sensory feedback to perform complex, delicate tasks – as if they were present at the remote location, but from a place of safety. These include those needed in bomb disposal or in chemical, radiological or nuclear environments.

AMRC design engineers already have extensive experience working with telexistence systems – REACH builds on the award-winning MediTel system – a mobile, robotic-controlled uncrewed ground vehicle, equipped with virtual reality technology, to enable medics to assess critical casualties in hazardous environments and allowing them to perform a triage remotely.

David said REACH will begin with intensive co-design workshops with stakeholders to ensure the technology is aligned with real-world operational needs and the end goal is to create a system where the operator feels truly embodied in the remote robot, providing an intuitive, low-latency experience that mimics human senses and movement.

He added: “We are moving beyond the fragmented landscape of academic prototypes by engineering a holistic, high-technology readiness level telexistence platform. Our focus is on system-level integration and commercial viability, transforming laboratory-grade innovations into a resilient, scalable, and deployable end-to-end solution.”

Giles Moore, technical partner at Dstl, said: “Defence is an engine for growth across the UK. Dstl’s human augmentation project is exploring opportunities presented by emergent technologies for UK Defence.

“Our work on telexistence demonstrates how we are supporting our academic and industry partners to develop new capabilities using a human-centred design approach.”

In a tension pneumothorax, air accumulates between the pleura and the lungs. This may occur after an injury like a gunshot wound, for example. The air cannot escape and becomes increasingly congested, causing a pressure buildup in the chest, compressing the lungs and ultimately affecting the heart and the large blood vessels. The pulse rises, blood pressure falls and eventually circulation collapses.

“This tension pneumothorax is life-threatening,” says Carolin Müller, a researcher at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Trauma Surgery at TUM Hospital. If left untreated, the condition leads to death within minutes. “It is often overlooked, but is easy to treat by inserting a decompression needle into the chest so that the trapped air can escape.”

For the future treatment of patients at inaccessible locations, researchers have now developed a robot arm extension – an “end effector” – that combines a decompression needle, resembling the needle-catheter system used for vein access, with an ultrasound device. The needle can be inserted only in the Monaldi or the Bülau positions in the second and fifth intercostal spaces. These points can be accurately located using ultrasound. The system can also diagnose whether a pneumothorax is present.

The new mechanism, developed by Müller in collaboration with researchers from the Chair of Microtechnology and Medical Device Technology (MiMed) at TUM and now being shown for the first time at Automatica, will push the needle and the catheter surrounding it through the skin. The catheter remains in the body while the needle is pulled out, allowing the air to escape. “This buys crucial time to treat patients with a tension pneumothorax, for example, after a chest injury as a result of a traffic accident or a gunshot wound,” explains Prof. Peter Biberthaler, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Trauma Surgery at TUM Hospital.

These results are part of the iMEDCAP research project, which the European Defence Fund launched on 1 December, 2023, with three years of funding totalling 25 million euros. The focus is on the “development of intelligent military capabilities for monitoring, medical care and evacuation of infectious, injured and contaminated persons”. Under the leadership of the TUM Chair of Flight System Dynamics, 24 organisations from nine countries are involved in the research, including the German Federal Ministry of Defence, institutes of the German Armed Forces, and AVILUS, a startup founded by five TUM doctoral students that is working on the development of medical evacuation drones.

Objectives include the ability to evacuate seriously injured patients from danger zones and crisis areas as quickly as possible by using the remoted-controlled Avilus Grille drone, which is now in the testing stages. The robotic arms attached to the drone will permit in-flight treatment with the participation of a doctor. The arms can use intervention modules to implement emergency medical decisions remotely to save lives.

Further robotic modules under development

The MiMed Rescue Robotics research group, headed by Christoph Parhofer, is developing further robotic modules. They will be capable of independently administering medication through the bone via ‘osseous access’, stopping severe bleeding in the arms and legs by applying a tourniquet, or injecting atropine, for example, in the event of a military emergency involving chemical weapons.

“Our robotic modules can perform some of the tasks that need to be done immediately after an accident,” says MiMed chair holder Prof. Tim Lüth. “It is crucial for the application to be robust and failsafe when every second counts.”

All growth projections for robotic systems in pharmaceuticals, medical science, and healthcare point the same way: straight up. Mordor Intelligence expects an average annual growth of more than 16 percent by 2029. Even though projections can carry some level of uncertainty, one thing is for sure: The diverse healthtech sector is a tremendously promising market.

This topic will also take centre stage at automatica 2025. At the MedtecLIVE Healthtech Pavilion in Hall A4, a wide variety of exhibitors from the medical technology supply sector will be presenting themselves, covering the entire value chain. The initiative is accompanied by the MedtecSUMMIT held in Hall B4 on the second and third trade fair day, as well as by a curated selection of highly relevant exhibitor solutions.

A large number of exhibitors get inspired by the activity at automatica and showcase proven robotics, cobot, and mobile robotics solutions for healthtech applications as well as innovative assembly plants for medical devices. Stäubli Robotics is considered an automation solution pioneer in medical science and pharmaceuticals. The Swiss company introduced the world’s first Stericlean robot in 2008. This groundbreaking development paved the way to robot deployments in aseptic environments.

Robots for aseptic environments

These days Stäubli has a complete portfolio of hygienically engineered robots including four- and six-axis robots conforming to strict requirements of GMP Grade A and B isolators, RABS, and freeze driers. “We use our robots in almost all areas of medical technology. For pharmaceuticals, we have compiled a comprehensive offering consisting of three different robot series: accessPharma, the latest, is intended for non-aseptic applications, Stericlean for aseptic environments, and Stericlean+ for integration with isolators,” says Peter Pühringer, Managing Director of Stäubli Robotics in Bayreuth, Germany.

Robots capable of working in sterile environments are used in applications such as cell and gene therapy (CGT), biotherapy, API research and production, lab automation, and other sections of the pharmaceutical industry. As of now, there a just a few premium suppliers offering robotic solutions for aseptic environments.

H2O2 decontamination is easy for robots

Yaskawa is a manufacturer getting in on the action in this context. The Japanese company offers their hygienically engineered HD7 and HD8 high-performance robots of the Motoman series, developed in close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA). These six-axis robots are suitable for deployment in GMP Grade A environments.

A glance towards Switzerland reveals that these machines are already being used in practice. The Swiss Pharmabotix company uses a Motoman HD8 in its CryoFiller module for automated cell and gene therapy vial filling. Here, the hygienically engineered six-axis robot handles vials and has no issues conforming to requirements arising from the need to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and decontamination.

Cobots and AI are conquering lab automation

Healthtech applications also offer a wide variety of deployment options for collaborative robots, and the significance of cobots in labs, rehabilitation facilities, and many other environments is steadily increasing. The use of AI makes them highly efficient and flexible as it enables them to perfectly support researchers, therapists, and lab or hospital staff.

Cobotta by Denso Robotics is a great example that unlocks new perspectives for robot-based automation in labs. The Cobotta is the very heart of an innovative lab concept developed by the bAhead start-up from Hamburg, Germany.

Rainer Treptow, CEO and founder of bAhead, explains: “We were the first to combine three disruptive technologies for lab use – cobots, drones and AI. All system components are cost-efficient, multi-functional, and work perfectly in tune as they are controlled using swarm intelligence. This creates entirely different dynamics than in conventional lab automation, especially in labs facing the challenge of automating small numbers of samples.”

ROBERT rehab robot supports nursing staff

The ROBERT robot has an entirely different mission. It is responsible for making patients mobile again as they recover from a surgical intervention or stroke. This groundbreaking solution by the Danish manufacturer Life Science Robotics is based on an LBR Med by KUKA. This robot is perfectly suitable for integration into the medical product thanks to its medical precertification. “With our solution, we want to help mobilise patients faster and more efficiently while easing the burden on nursing staff,” states Keld Thorsen, CEO of Life Science Robotics.

The robot’s functional principle is quite simple: The nurse attaches the robot arm to the patient’s leg, for example. Pressing the start button causes ROBERT to raise the leg slightly. Now the nurse can manually perform the therapeutic movements. ROBERT memorises this movement so that it can then perform it independently – exactly as demonstrated and as many times as required.

Even more flexible medical device production

Current developments in medical science and pharmaceuticals are not just all about robots, though. Renowned solution providers dedicated to series production of medical devices will also be represented at automatica. Inhalers, injection pens, autoinjectors, or syringes – such products can only be made by specialist companies due to patient safety requirements, among other reasons.

Apart from Teamtechnik, BBS Automation, Kahle, and Hekuma, now all part of Dürr AG, Mikron Automation is another established medtech platform solution provider. Mikron shows where the market is headed with their Maia assembly platform. The Swiss company had been known for developing powerful assembly solutions for large series production facilities before placing this semi-automated platform on a market that demands more flexibility. Maia unlocks efficient assembly processes for various medical products from a given product family such as pen injectors or autoinjectors – even with small batch sizes.

Mobile robots advance into aseptic environments

Automation of some healthcare application fields can only be achieved using mobile robots. This includes helping persons requiring assistance, but also extends to new concepts for transport and handling tasks in the pharma factory of the future.

automatica exhibitors will showcase visionary AGV and AMR solutions for such tasks as well. The deployment of mobile robotic systems in sterile environments used to be problematic as solutions for such use cases were simply not available. But that has now changed: Stäubli Robotics has made the Sterimove platform solution part of their portfolio. It is a completely encapsulated vehicle certified for use in sterile environments – the only one of its kind in the world.

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The GARMI assistance robot is becoming increasingly versatile and intelligent. As researchers from TUM’s Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) demonstrated at the 2024 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Yokohama, Japan, the robot not only understands various commands via ChatGPT. It also autonomously implements and executes a wide range of tasks and skills, such as grasping objects, manoeuvring safely and communicating with patients. In addition, it books appointments with doctors for telemedical examinations.

“GARMI is now able to perform the various individual skills that we have taught him over the last few years, securely and on-demand, via ChatGPT,” explains Geriatronics project lead Dr Abdeldjallil Naceri.

To achieve this, the researchers are combining various technological innovations. Before attempting real-world human interactions, a digital twin is used to avoid collisions and make sure that the robot’s movements are safe. Artificial intelligence (AI) helps GARMI grasp and hand over cups and glasses without spilling liquid. And ChatGPT acts as a link between the robot, patients, physiotherapists and doctors.

Professor Naceri draws a parallel between innovations in GARMI and autonomous driving: “Before a new function like autonomous parking assistance is made available to real-world drivers, many development steps are necessary,” says the researcher. “The same is true for care robotics. Because this technology will be used where people are present, it must be 100% safe and reliable.”

TUM researchers have made significant progress especially in three areas:

1. Dexterity – gripping and moving precisely from a distance

Gripping: The researchers have combined a camera, a robotic arm with seven joints, an artificial hand and artificial intelligence to enable GARMI to simulate the way humans grip objects. First, the camera takes a picture of the object to be grasped and identifies it as a cup, cylinder or ball using neural networks. As the camera only sees the object from one side, the system adds non-visible areas, such as a cup, by comparing what it sees with other images and reconstructing a complete 3D object.

The researchers use a colour-graded heat map indicating the probabilities of various representations of the object matching the way it actually looks in reality. This makes it possible to decide on the ideal position for the hand for gripping a cup, for example. The complex system now manages to do this correctly nine times out of ten. “After it works with one cup, our system can transfer the methodology to all other cup shapes,” says Naceri.

Moving objects from a distance: The researchers devised a special experimental setup to investigate whether doctors can work together with patients via telesurgery. To do this, they drew simple shapes on a digital graphics tablet. GARMI was equipped with a pen in one hand and a camera in the other. One room away, GARMI’s task was to transfer the researchers’ drawings onto a screen – in other words, project a simple drawing into a complex robotic system.

It turned out that the best circles, squares, and triangles were created when GARMI used the camera autonomously. This finding will be incorporated into the collaboration between physicians and patients in the future. For example, it is essential to position ultrasound probes as precisely as possible and to perform movements correctly during rehabilitation exercises.

Perceiving and navigating surroundings: In a new research paper, the researchers show how tools can be manoeuvred around objects. The challenge is to keep an eye on distances while being able to correctly assess the mobility of the robot arm with all its joints. If this is successful, the robot can even evade balls thrown at it.

2. Safety: The tactile robot has a 1 millisecond reaction time

GARMI processes information at a cycle time of 1 millisecond (ms). This applies equally to perception, interaction and navigation. The force sensors on the robot arms register the slightest contact and react immediately. If a human accidentally bumps into the robot’s arm, it stops within a millisecond for safety reasons.

Humans and robots initially meet as digital twins in a virtual environment to rule out accidents. This is essential, as the assistance robot can theoretically reach speeds up to 20 km/h in a care home. In the computer simulation, GARMI uses the Safety Motion Unit to register via sensors and slow down if a person is too near. When the person moves away, GARMI speeds up again.

3. Language: ChatGPT uses a list of commands

The AI tool ChatGPT functions as a translator between technology and humans. It has learned various commands such as “Start rehab”, “Show me tomorrow’s weather”, or “Call the doctor”. GARMI uses this tool to communicate with patients.

The researchers currently have a list of 15 to 20 commands that trigger certain actions. “Potentially, we can expand it as much as we like,” says robotics researcher Naceri. “This will make MIRMI one of the first institutes where robots and humans interact using ChatGPT.”

The new universal GARMI is now active in a model apartment in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The main field of research will be the further development of hands capable of performing even more refined tasks. It will be several years before GARMI is finally used in care homes. “It’s like the autonomous car,” says Naceri. “A lot of progress has already been made, but a few details are still missing before it is ready for the human environment.”

Electrical connectors play a critical role in medical robots by facilitating the transmission of power, signals and data between various components. They ensure seamless communication and coordination, enabling the robot to perform complex tasks accurately and efficiently.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, the total number of service robots sold for professional use increased by 48 per cent in 2022 to 158,000 units globally. When it comes to the most popular applications, medical robots came in third after logistics and hospitality.

A medical robot is a specialised robotic system designed for use in various medical applications, ranging from surgery and rehabilitation to diagnostics and telepresence. These robots are developed to assist healthcare professionals, improve the accuracy of medical procedures, enhance patient outcomes and provide innovative solutions in the field of medicine. Medical robots can take on different forms, functions and levels of autonomy, depending on their intended purpose.

In 2000, the FDA approved the use of the da Vinci Surgical System in general laparoscopic surgery, followed by approvals for other systems, including radiation therapy and reconstructive surgery. In the future, with the development of generative AI and machine learning, autonomous robots could perform remote surgery or predict disease recurrence and progression.

Connectivity is paramount to ensuring medical robots work accurately and new medical developments are successful. Due to the sensitive nature of medical robots, electrical connectors need to meet specific standards, outlined below.

Mechanical durability

Robotic systems involve repetitive movement, vibrations and mechanical stress. Connectors used in these systems need to be robust enough to withstand continuous use without failure, while ensuring seamless connectivity and uninterrupted power transmission during critical procedures.

Similarly, connectors contribute to the incorporation of redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms, minimising the risk of system failures during surgery or diagnostic processes. Redundant connectors and backup systems ensure continuity in case of unexpected issues, enhancing the overall safety of medical robotics.

Size and weight constraints

In medical applications, space and weight are often limited, meaning that connectors need to be compact and lightweight to fit within the robotic system. Smaller, more durable connectors allow for intricate designs and improved functionality. A compact design is also essential for ease of integration and to prevent interference with the robot’s movements during procedures.

Connectors also contribute to the modular design of robots, allowing for easier upgrades and maintenance. They facilitate the plug-and-play integration of new modules, promoting flexibility and adaptability in the rapidly evolving field of medical robotics.

Electrical performance

Connectors must maintain constant electrical performance, reducing energy loss and heat generation. They should also minimise signal loss and crosstalk to ensure accurate data transmission.

At the same time, medical robots often use various electronic devices, and connectors must be designed to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure compatibility with other medical equipment in the vicinity. This is crucial to prevent disruptions in communication and maintain the accuracy of diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Sterilisation

As they are often used in surgical environments, connectors must be designed to withstand frequent sterilisation processes. Compatibility with autoclaving, chemical disinfection or other sterilisation methods is also crucial for maintaining a sterile environment during medical procedures.

Connectors need to be made from materials that are resistant to sterilisation techniques. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. At the same time, medical-grade plastic like Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) are known for their resistance to chemicals, heat and moisture.

Connectors are the unsung heroes of medical robotics, serving as the lifeline for communication, power distribution and data transmission within these advanced systems. As medical robots continue to evolve, connectors will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring precision, reliability, and safety in healthcare applications. The ongoing innovations in connector technology will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of medical robotics, ultimately benefiting both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

PEI-Genesis works closely with connector manufacturers and medical facilities to ensure it offers the most optimised solutions, customised to the needs of each application.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are an estimated two million different kinds of medical devices on the market, including test tubes, beakers, casings and housings for laboratory and medical equipment, drug delivery components and surgical equipment. Could robotics-led injection moulding support the manufacture of these devices?

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in demand for medical devices across hospitals and medical laboratories, and business analyst Mercer Capital predicts this growth will continue. Its Five Trends to Watch in the Medical Device Industry report cites several driving factors including an increasingly large ageing population, emerging economies and governments’ efforts to curb rising medical costs.

Due to the nature of the sector, companies that develop first-to-market devices can benefit from patents, intellectual property protection and competitive advantages. However, these new devices are subject to strict regulations. As written in The Changing Economics of Medical Technology, a paper by The National Academy of Medicine in the United States, published when it was still called the Institute of Medicine: “It is inevitable that important products such as medical devices will attract many levels of scrutiny because of the great social costs and benefits associated with health care.”

Much of this scrutiny is aimed at manufacturers and relates to accountability, device traceability, post-market surveillance, clinical evaluations and performance studies. All must be factored in to new medical designs and developments. To quote Mercer Capital’s report, the rules foster “an environment where firms may realise an acceptable level of returns on their R&D investments”.

To obey these regulations, medical device manufacturers must seek new ways to efficiently produce new innovations without falling short of Quality System regulations, such as “the current good manufacturing practices” specified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One method of efficient, quality-conscious production is injection moulding, one of industry’s most common manufacturing processes that is set to be worth $56.5 million by 2027.

Injection moulding machines are already used to produce monitoring devices, infusion pumps and other vital medical equipment. But there is also a drive to manufacture these devices with new and more advanced materials, and with better mould flow and higher impact strength. That includes bioplastics, a more environmentally-friendly alternative to plastics made from corn, sugar cane or sugar beets, which are increasingly used to manufacture medical devices.

Moreover, there is increasing pressure to produce medical devices at a faster pace. Production runs, whether they are large or small, must run uninterrupted to produce a certain number of products per hour. There must be standards in place to guarantee the predictable and efficient loading and unloading of moulds, along with smooth working between humans and machines. To achieve this, automation and robotics are crucial.

New ways of doing things

Industrial robots already play a crucial role in loading and unloading applications for plastic injection moulding machines. 6-axis robots in particular, aside from being among the most widely-used industrial machines in general, have become known as the trusted workhorse of injection moulding loading and unloading.

TM Robotics, the premier partner of Shibaura Machine – formerly known as Toshiba Machine – is a robot distributor that specialises in integrating robots with injection moulding devices. The business has recently expanded its range to offer an even more comprehensive choice of six-axis robots to suit these applications.

Shibaura Machine’s series of vertically-articulated, 6-axis robots are available in three models that all offer low headroom, wider reach and other benefits. Each robot range has varying reach and payload specifications, and a longer arm length compared with previous robot ranges.

That includes the newest TVM range of highly productive, reliable robots aimed at industries including automotive, medical, packaging and pharmaceutical. The largest of the TVM models is the TVM1500, which provides a maximum reach of 1,715 mm. The TVM1200 can reach up to 1,418 mm and the smallest model, the TVM900, provides a maximum reach of up to 1,124 mm. In addition to three distinctive arm lengths, the operating range of each model can be expanded by mounting the robot onto an optional linear actuator.

Better integration

Crucially, these robots integrate easily with Shibaura Machine’s injection moulding machines. Among the newest equipment is the SXIII range of injection moulding machines, an all-electric range with enhanced performance that’s designed to provide significantly faster injection speeds than traditional moulding equipment.

When paired with a fast cycle 6-axis robot for loading and unloading, manufacturers can expect increased throughput. These machines are designed for enhanced versatility and performance, with a streamlined design. With these features, the range can support significantly faster loading and unloading speeds.

The robots are also designed for plug and play installation, in order to be easier to program by operators while also easing training costs. The end result is better collaborations between machines and operators on injection moulding lines, and industrial robots that fit in more easily with manufacturers’ established ways for doing things.

Expanded automation will be crucial for ensuring that injection moulding is essential for manufacturing tomorrow’s medical devices cost-effectively, and to the highest quality. Even with rigorous regulations, industrial robots like the TVM range can help manufacturers find new and better ways to bring new medical innovations to market, supporting a bright future for patient care.

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Special fibre optic connections meet this high demand. The connectors used to implement this data transmission face numerous challenges in such complex systems.

In operating theatres, there is a demanding environment that places high demands on data transmission. The connectors must not only transmit the data at high speed, but also be immune to interference and electromagnetic interference. In this context, high-speed fibre optic connections play a crucial role. Challenges include:

Miniaturisation and space limitations: In surgical robotic systems, the available space is limited. Connectors need to be compact to fit into tight spaces without restricting the robot’s freedom of movement.

Robustness and resistance: The connectors must be able to withstand the physical stresses that may occur during surgery, such as vibration or accidental shocks.

Cleaning and sterilisation: Surgical instruments must be able to be sterilised. Connectors must be designed to survive this process without sacrificing performance.

Data integrity: In high-precision operations, there must be no data loss. The interfaces must ensure data integrity and ensure uninterrupted communication.

EMC and immunity: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is crucial to avoid interference from nearby electronic devices. Connectors must have immunity to interference while enabling high data rates.

As a leading manufacturer of connectors for medical applications, ODU’s connectors meet the demanding requirements of the MDR and IEC 60-601-1 standard.

ODU’s high-speed fibre optic connectors are perfectly suited for use in surgical robotic systems. They are compact, rugged, easy to sterilise, and offer outstanding data transmission performance, even in EMC-intensive environments. For example, with the help of Expanded Beam Performance technology, the highest data rates can be achieved with extremely low attenuation values.

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Taking targeted action, pharmaceutical manufacturers can advance their operations in a way that is rapid, cost-effective and does not need process re-validation. The solution lies in automating off-line testing in analytical laboratories. By doing this, companies can streamline quality control while enhancing data integrity and regulatory compliance, ultimately cutting downtime and cycle times.

The pharmaceutical industry is typically seen as resistant to change. This is understandable, as companies need to follow strict regulations to ensure product quality, consistency and safety, any modification of manufacturing processes requires costly and time-consuming re-validations.

At the same time, it is essential for pharmaceutical producers to drive up their competitiveness in an increasingly fierce and demanding marketplace as well as be ready to address new requirements from regulatory bodies. In particular, with the advances in digital technologies and supervisory agencies raising the bar on data-driven operations, forward-looking businesses are already beginning to implement smart, Industry 4.0 solutions.

In cases where upgrading a manufacturing line is not feasible due to re-validation requirements, pharmaceutical manufacturers can still begin their digital transformation journeys by focusing on their analytical laboratories. In fact, the implementation of innovative, automated technologies in these environments do not directly influence manufacturing processes.

As a result, these projects can be carried out with minimal investment while delivering considerable gains. Moreover, they can help users develop their automation and digital skills while providing the technical and financial tools to support future process modifications and successful re-validations.

Benefits of automated laboratories

Batch processing in the pharmaceutical industry often leads to considerable downtime associated with quality testing activities. This activity can cover from 50% up to 80% of cycle times required for a small manufacturer to produce oral solid dosage (OSD) forms. In addition, the associated labour costs can account for more than two thirds of all operational expenses, which equates to approximately 10% of revenue. Therefore, just by streamlining these tasks, businesses can intensify their competitiveness and reach new heights.

Innovative technologies can improve batch processes by means of, for example, automated testing of multiple samples and specimens. This can considerably reduce quality control time and cycle time, while freeing up lab technicians from the repetitive tasks associated with quality control. As a result, it is possible to increase the time they have available for value-added activities.

In addition, automated sampling based on robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or other types of self-driven machines can support the collection and delivery of solid samples from production lines to off-line testing facilities. Liquid sampling can also be achieved by using specialised systems that transport the sample to the analytical laboratory.

Advancing data integrity now

While leveraging automated machines to speed up testing while maintaining high accuracy and precision is extremely advantageous, the cost of such projects may still be prohibitive for some companies. The most suitable solution for lower investment digital transformation projects is the use of automated laboratory solutions that input and store result data as well as reliable, fully computerised data management systems that benefit audits.

This can also support the future implementation of complete Process Analytical Technology (PAT) frameworks while facilitating any associated process re-validation. Moreover, it can simplify the adoption of additional digital technologies, such as Cloud and Edge computing.

To create such a setup, companies can leverage the digital transformation enabling software, synTQ. This supports total quality management for the pharmaceutical sector by providing a data management tool that is compliant with current regulations on electronic signatures and records (ERES), such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s 21 CFR part 11.

The platform is ideally suited to advance data transparency and integrity practices for quality auditing and regulatory compliance. As a result, businesses can ensure that their datasets are attributable, accurate, legible and complete, which ensures adherence to ALCOA+ principles.

In addition, synTQ offers Cloud data pump capabilities, whereby all data collected from different analytical instruments can be stored and analysed in a centralised platform to produce a holistic data-driven insight, in line with Industry 4.0 practices. In essence, the laboratories of the future are here to boost pharmaceutical operations.

A team of international researchers has now developed the first universal model that can be employed across cultural contexts to explain how ethical perceptions affect the willingness to use care robots.

Countries like Japan are experiencing declining birth rates and an aging population. The increased burden of care for this aging population may lead to a shortage of caregivers in a decade’s time. Thus, the recruitment and allocation of resources must be planned in advance. Technological interventions in the form of robots that provide home care services to the aged appear to be a promising solution to this problem.

Although care robots are being developed and improved at a rapid pace, their social acceptance has been limited. It is suspected that the ethical issues surrounding the use of such robots may be obstructing the implementation of this technology. Many acceptance models have demonstrated that the ethical perceptions of older people, their families, and professional caregivers regarding care robots can impact their willingness to adopt this technology.

However, there is no universal model that can elucidate the relationship between ethical perceptions and the willingness to use care robots across countries and cultural contexts.

To fill this knowledge gap, a team of international researchers led by Professor Sayuri Suwa from Chiba University, including Dr Hiroo Ide from the University of Tokyo, Dr Yumi Akuta from Tokyo Healthcare University, Dr Naonori Kodate from University College Dublin, Dr Jaakko Hallila from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, and Dr Wenwei Yu from Chiba University, among others, conducted a cross-sectional study across Japan, Ireland, and Finland.

The findings of their study were made available online on July 25, 2023, and will be published in January 2024 in Volume 116 of the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Sharing the motivation behind the study, Professor Suwa explains: “Today, in Japan’s super-aged society, various care robots, including monitoring cameras, have been developed and marketed to compensate for the shortage of care staff and to alleviate their stress.

“However, there are no discussions among users—older people, family caregivers, and care staff—and developers regarding the willingness to use care robots, the protection of privacy, and the appropriate use of personal information associated with the use of care robots. The desire to improve this situation and to promote appropriate utilization of care robots beyond Japan was the impetus for this research.”

The team developed a questionnaire that examined the ethical issues that could affect the willingness to use a care robot across the three countries. The survey was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 among older people, their family caregivers, and professional caregivers. This study was also reviewed by multiple ethical committees in all three countries.

The researchers analysed a total of 1,132 responses, which comprised 664 responses from Japan, 208 from Ireland, and 260 from Finland. They found that the willingness to use care robots was highest in Japan (77.1%), followed by Ireland (70.3%), and was lowest in Finland (52.8%).

Next, the researchers developed a conceptual model and evaluated it using statistical methods. From the questionnaire, the researchers included responses to ten items in the model, categorized into four broad domains – acquisition of personal information, use of personal information for medical and long-term care, secondary use of personal information, and participation in research and development.

They then improved the model using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). The model underwent incremental improvements to attain better (smaller) AIC values. The final model was then applied to each country.

Thus, this study demonstrated the successful use of a single universal model that could explain the correlation between ethical perceptions and social implementation of care robots across three countries with different geographies, demographics, cultures, and systems.

Discussing the importance and long-term impact of their study, Professor Suwa concludes: “From our results, we can infer that social implementation of care robots can be promoted if developers and researchers encourage potential users to participate in the development process, proposed in the form of a co-design and co-production concept. We hope that the process of developing care robots will be improved to contribute to human well-being in a global aging society.”