Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Mechanical Design
Engineering Cairo University
Department Faculty of Engineering
MDPN423 Robotics
Engineering
Project 1 (Type C)
Group C1 – Medical Applications
Submitted by:
- Mahmoud Sayed Zaghlool 1135487
- Omar Mohsen 1135126
The aim of this report is to provide awareness towards the usage of robotics in the medical field. In this report,
we will discuss the use of robotics in medical industry and discuss the concept of micro robotics in medical
field.
I|Page
Contents
Abstract ...............................................................................................................................................................I
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Robot Components......................................................................................................................................... 3
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
References .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Table of Figures
Figure 6: Artist's Rendering of A Microbot Being Released into the Bloodstream Through A Needle ........... 5
II | P a g e
Introduction
The advancements in science studies has increased over the past decade in a noticeable way. The integration
of different fields results in further advancements and hence the Robotics Science. Robotics is considered a
branch of engineering that integrates mechanical, electronics and information engineering as well as computer
science. Robotics are far more efficient and accurate than manual handling of materials or operations and
hence their use has spread from determining time and date to humanoid and medical robots.
In this report, a detailed discussion about medical robots, its types and its components. Furthermore, a brief
introduction of the micro-robotic concept in the medical industry will be available to provide a future vision
1|Page
Medical Robots
There are a lot of uses for robots in the medical field. The following list mentions the top 6 uses of robotics in
medical field:
1- Surgical Robots
2- Telepresence Robots
They are similar to surgical robots in every way. However, it has a better advantage as it can be
operated from a different location than the operation room. For example, the surgeon can be in a
different country. Furthermore, it can receive commands from specialists in the field by putting them
3- Rehabilitation Robots
This type of robots facilitates and supports old people, injured and
disabled people. They are used mainly in training and physical therapy.
4- Biorobots
2|Page
5- Medical Transportation Robots
Used mainly in hospitals for delivering and supplying medications and meals to patients or staff
members. Hence, improving the communication channels between different parties in the hospitals as
well as improving the efficiency and removes the delay of medicine doses for critical patients.
6- Companion Robots
inputs the symptoms he has. Using its vast database, the robot can
inform the patient whether he can deal with it on his own and use
Robot Components
All robots consist of the same main components which are as follows:
1- Controllers
In order to operate the robot and send/receive signals to/from actuators and sensors (other components
of the robot), a controller is required. It functions as the brain to human beings. Medical robots perform
complex operations and requires high-end processing and hence a dedicated powerful processor is
required. Medical robots perform image processing, computer vision, complex algorithms and real
time operations. Best example for such type of controllers is Nexcom which is a branch of Intel
2- Arm
The arm is the different links or to be precise, the mechanical structure of the robot. It acts as the
human arm. Replicating its motion, the robot arm is used to position the end effector of the robot.
In order to move the arm (several links joined together by the means of joints), actuators are needed.
In order to operate the actuators, drives are needed. Drives are electronic devices that harnesses and
controls the electric signal sent to the actuator (motor). In order to operate the actuator and different
3|Page
speeds/modes, the actuator sends specific electric signal to operate it. The actuators are the parts that
move the links. They are considered the muscles in the arm.
4- Sensors
The robot requires to obtain information in order to operate perfectly. The input of the robot can either
be manual or automatic. In order to automate the robot and make it smarter, sensors are available to
obtain data from the working environment. Examples of sensors are ultrasound sensors to obtain how
far the end effector is from an object. There are more sensors such as mechanical sensors (measure
5- End Effectors
4|Page
Micro-Robotics in Medical Industry
Due to recent advancements in the micro-robotics field, the human race is moving closer towards a bright
future in which tiny intelligent objects are inserted through capsules or injections to navigate in the human
body. These machines will help specialists to diagnose and treat several human diseases. The nearest
advancement in this field is using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) to obtain high resolution
images from inside the Gastro Intestinal (GI) system in human bodies in order to diagnose and/or treat
diseases. The delivery system as mentioned earlier can either be capsules digested through the mouth or
Figure 6: Artist's Rendering of A Microbot Being Released into the Bloodstream Through A Needle
Furthermore, the MEMS will be used in ophthalmic therapies to treat white/blue water issues or to provide
5|Page
Conclusion
Throughout this report, the value of robotics in daily has been discussed in details. Thanks to advancements
in engineering fields and computer science, robotics can make our daily life easy. Extensive use of robotics in
the medical field made it easier and more accurate to perform surgical operations on patients. Furthermore,
they can imitate human and animal motion and hence providing support to disabled or injured individuals.
Hence, or otherwise, the Egyptian government must provide further financial support for this field is required
and is the main reason this topic was selected to be discussed in detail in this report.
6|Page
References
Beasley, R. A. (12 August 2012). Medical Robots: Current Systems and Research Directions.
7|Page