The paper addresses the design of a micro wrist for needle laparoscopic surgery (needlescopy) using MEMS technology and an original 3 degree of freedom, 3D architecture. Advancement in needlescopy drives the development of multi-dof micro-tools 1-2mmin diameter with 3D mobility but standard available fabricationtechniques are for 2.5D structures. The paper discusses thedevelopment steps and design solutions for the realization...

This paper presents the design process of an exoskeleton for executing human fingers’ extension movement for the rehabilitation procedures and as an active orthosis purposes. The Fingers Extending eXoskeleton (FEX) is a serial, under-actuated mechanism capable of executing fingers’ extension. The proposed solution is easily adaptable to any finger length or position of the joints. FEX is based on the state-of-art FingerSpine serial...

Details of a platform for the rehabilitation of people with severe balance impairment are discussed in the paper. Based upon a commercially available static parapodium, modified to fit force sensors, this device is designed to give a new, safe tool to physiotherapists. It is designed for the patients who cannot maintain equilibrium during a bipedal stance and need to hold to or lean on something during the rehabilitation. Visual,...