Design of medical devices & robotics | Technical Medical Centre

The Design of Medical Devices & Robotics research domain develops engineering solutions based on mechanical, electrical, mechatronic, and robotic technology to improve the diagnosis, treatment, (home) monitoring, and support of widespread and rare diseases in society.

Examples of widespread diseases include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and mobility deficiencies. Examples of rare diseases include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, severe foot deformities, and deficiencies in the SI joint. We believe that state-of-the-art technologies, smartly engineered by leveraging knowledge of physiology, biomechanics, ergonomics, and medical workflows, generate pervasive solutions that can revolutionize our society by addressing the challenges we face in healthcare, daily support, and collaborative work. These solutions must co-exist and collaborate with people to improve our way of living and well-being, be safe by complying with the Medical Device Regulation, and be developed with consideration for planetary health in general. That’s why people-centred design is our main focus. The interaction between people and medical devices must be natural, easy to use, and adaptable, from fully operated to fully autonomous.

Developing relevant solutions

In our two Robotic Surgery labs, multi-disciplinary teams of engineers, clinicians, industrial collaborators and patient representatives develop solutions for a broad range of clinically relevant challenges that are not solved by currently available technology. Students of our bachelor and master programs in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, Robotics, Advanced Technology and Technical Medicine are actively involved in these teams. The challenges vary from MRI-guided breast biopsy procedures with a robotic needle manipulator to CT- and ultrasound guided robotics and needle steering, affordable assistive devices for patients with mobility issues, and personalized implants.

Wearable robotics

We also work on improving the quality of life for people with movement disorders. In the Wearable Robotics Lab at the University of Twente, we develop new interventions and diagnostic techniques based on fundamental insights into (impaired) human motor control. The application areas include therapeutic and diagnostic robotics, as well as assistive technologies. These foci span many diagnostic categories, including stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s disease. Examples of assistive technologies include exoskeletons that enable over-ground mobility in the face of paralysis or other disorders.

Highlights

Symbitron+ exoskeleton gets ready for Cybathlon 2020

The Symbitron+ Exoskeleton project at the University of Twente develops a wearable robotic exoskeleton to enhance functional walking ability for people with complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries. Originating from the EU Symbitron project, the team works on improving the symbiotic interaction between the wearer and the device by combining force‑controlled actuation at the hip, knee and ankle with active propulsion and balance control. Test pilots are trained in the Wearable Robotics Laboratory to use the exoskeleton in everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or sitting down, to support over‑ground mobility and tailored assistance for users with paralysis.

Flexible robotic suits are the future

The Flexible Robotic Suit project at the University of Twente aims to go beyond traditional rigid exoskeletons by developing an autonomous, lightweight, unobtrusive and comfortable wearable robotic suit to help people with complete spinal cord injuries walk with minimal use of crutches. Current exoskeletons are often bulky, heavy and uncomfortable, limiting daily use. To improve comfort and natural movement, the research focuses on soft, flexible garments that generate necessary joint torques—such as inflatable composite fabrics embedded in pants—to support standing and walking. These soft technologies are expected to be crucial for future everyday wearable robotic suits that enhance independence and mobility for users.

Sunram 5: the world’s most accurate 3D-printed biopsy robot

Sunram 5 is an MRI‑safe robotic prototype developed by the University of Twente to support breast biopsies under MRI guidance. Entirely made of plastic and driven by pneumatic 3D‑printed actuators, it allows precise and flexible needle positioning in any orientation. The system incorporates safety mechanisms and fiducial markers for accurate navigation, ensuring both reliability and patient safety. As a proof-of-concept, Sunram 5 demonstrates the potential of MRI‑compatible robotics for minimally invasive, image-guided procedures and paves the way for future clinical applications.

Needle steering with unlimited steerability

The Needle Steering research at the University of Twente develops advanced, image‑guided methods to steer flexible needles during minimally invasive interventions. Rigid needles can deviate due to tissue deformation, reducing accuracy. The lab designs sensorised, steerable needles that navigate complex paths under ultrasound, MRI or CT guidance. These systems improve targeting in the brain, breast, lung, liver and other regions, offering precise, safe interventions with clinician‑in‑the‑loop or autonomous control.

The 3D foot plate

UT’s first Medical Device Regulation (MDR) compliant open-source medical device (OSMD).The 3D foot plate assists in obtaining quantitative data of pathology in the hindfoot by allowing various positions of patients’ foot in within a CT-scanner. Due to its relevant application for a small patient population, no business case can be made. Therefore, this device will be offered as an OSMD via drawings, all necessary MDR documentation, and an IKEA-style manual with easy manufacturing using lasercutting, 3D printing, off-the-shelf components and basic hand tools for assembly.

Wearable Breathing Trainer project

Respiratory disorders such as asthma and dysfunctional breathing (DB) are common in childhood and for teens. Analysis of respiratory symptoms and assessment of efficacy of therapy in the home environment could provide a paediatrician and child an objective tool to acquire relevant data. In this project we study how a Wearable Breathing Trainer (BRISH) can signal respiratory parameters, detect and analyze respiratory disorders and provide real-time feedback to the child.