Technology company adds 'sense of touch' to robotic medical devices

These innovative devices that allow operators to experience what the machine would "feel" if it were human—from the pressure of a scalpel slicing through skin to the resistance when a hand pushes against an object.

Quanser, a private Toronto-area technology company, unveiled three of its latest prototypes using "haptic," or feeling feedback, technology on Thursday. Although still in development, it hopes to market the machines for patient rehabilitation and as tools to help train doctors and other health providers.

Among the prototypes is a robotic device to help stroke patients exercise weakened upper body muscles. When a patient pushes on the robotic arm in a forward motion to simulate pushing against a stool seen on a video monitor—he or she experiences the same resistance that would be felt pushing against a real stool to exercise. The device is intended for use in rehabilitation centres and even for consumer use, so patients recovering from a stroke could continue strengthening exercises unsupervised at home after being discharged.

Read full story in Canada.com.