KUKA Presents Robot-Based Assistance Systems at MEDICA 2022

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Nov 2022

Image: Visitors can explore a demo cell how the LBR Med lightweight robot assists in biopsy of brain tumor (Photo courtesy of KUKA AG)

Robotic-based assistance in medicine and everyday hospital life relieves doctors as well as nursing staff and improves patient care. At the MEDICA 2022, KUKA AG (Augsburg, Germany) is presenting applications which show what is currently possible in the field of hair transplants, massages and in the biopsy of brain tumors. Furthermore, the company will present the new generation software KUKA Sunrise.OS Med 2.6 as well as welcome the finalists of the "KUKA Innovation Award", which is being presented as part of this year’s MEDICA.

At the world's largest medical technology trade fair MEDICA taking place from November 14 to 17 in Düsseldorf, KUKA is presenting applications which help reduce medical staff expenses and improve patient care. In hall 10 at booth A22, medical applications based on the seven-axis lightweight robot LBR Med can be discovered. It has been certified as the world's first robot-based component for integration into medical devices. The lightweight robot LBR Med was developed specifically for applications in medical technology and can be easily integrated into clinical assistance systems. Due to its sensitive sensor technology, comprehensive safety packages, hygiene-optimized surface and certification, medical device manufacturers choose the LBR Med as a basis for their products.

Among others, trade show visitors can explore a demo cell how the LBR Med assists in the biopsy of a brain tumor. The biopsy is simulated on a model with real-time tracking based on cameras from the company NDI for showcase purpose. The user can place the biopsy needle with the help of the LBR Med, which is mounted on a cart from MPE. The target and entry positions are planned in advance based on computed tomography data and displayed on an interactive screen. If the positioning of the model changes, the LBR Med follows the predetermined position thanks to dynamic tracking. The robotic-based application makes the procedure more precise.

Trade fair visitors will also have the opportunity to get to know the new software generation for the LBR Med, the KUKA Sunrise.OS Med 2.6, through the exhibits. The object-oriented programming is based on Java 8 and Windows 10 and enables fast commissioning. The new generation offers various option packages that, for example, allow very precise hand guidance or give the LBR Med a high degree of rigidity, e.g. in orthopedic operations. Real-time communication with the robot controller is enabled by new functions in KUKA Sunrise.FRI Med. Additionally, at MEDICA 2022 KUKA is presenting a model of the KR QUANTEC HC, a robot with a payload of up to 300 kg. Among other things, it is suitable for carrying heavy medical equipment such as a linear accelerator used in tumor therapies or an X-ray system in angiography. The KR QUANTEC HC has numerous features, such as additional brakes and a personnel recovery system, and allows the brakes to be released manually. As a result, the KR QUANTEC HC could be, for instance, moved manually in the event of a power failure.

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