Category: Assistive Technologies
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Eldercare robots perform essential tasks
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/disruptions-helper-robots-are-steered-tentatively-to-elder-care/ Already popular in Japan, today’s New York Times reports on the developing trend of robotic companions for the elderly. A typical Japanese example is the Tsukuba University created Hybrid Assistive Limb. The battery-powered suit senses and amplifies the wearer’s muscle action when carrying or lifting heavy objects. Caregivers can also use the suit to…
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Eye gaze controlled email, Skype for stroke and ALS patients
http://www.tobii.com/en/assistive-technology/north-america/products/hardware/ceye-eye-control-module/ Tobii ATI has unveiled a new tablet-like product line, the i-Series, designed to let users with ALS, stroke, and cerebral palsy use email and Skype through eye-gaze tracking. A mouse is no longer needed.
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Brain-machine interface allows control of limbs through thoughts
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681674/a-prosthetic-arm-controlled-by-your-thoughts By placing a small sensor in the brain’s motor cortex, interfaces can pick up on electrical activity, and translate it into commands that control a robotic arm. Now scientists have gone a step further. Instead of a wired brain-arm link, they have now developed a wireless connection powerful enough to work at a distance of…
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Bronx VA doctor helps paraplegics walk with Israeli exoskeleton device
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/doctor-helps-parapalegics-walk-exoskeletons-article-1.1315915 ReWalk is a commercial bionic walking assistance system, utilising powered leg attachments to enable paraplegics to stand upright, walk, and climb stairs. The system is powered by a backpack battery, and is controlled by a simple wrist-mounted remote which detects and enhances the user’s movements.
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EPSRC funds 15 creative healthcare engineering projects
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2013/Pages/enghealthcare.aspx The EPSRC is funding technologies in three health areas: 1. Medical Imaging. Projects include technology which could: -lead to better diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, depression, dementia as well as breast cancers and osteoporosis -reduce risks during brain surgery by creating ultrasound devices in needles -improve therapies for brain injured patients and…