Dr. Atish Shah and the Development of Assistive Technology
- A specialized helmet device is used to treat infants, preventing lifelong facial asymmetry and ensuring a normal head shape. 0s
- Dr. Atish Shah, the founder of Rover Labs, possesses a dual background in medicine and engineering. 5s
- Approximately 85% of individuals living with disabilities in Africa lack access to assistive devices due to high costs, insufficient local production, and substandard customization. 15s
- During secondary school, Dr. Shah studied mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, eventually attending Makerere University. 30s
- After completing medical school, Dr. Shah encountered an upper limb amputee and sought to develop a local solution inspired by robotic technology seen in science fiction films. 1m15s
- Initial attempts to collaborate with engineers were hindered by miscommunication and a lack of specific technical skills, leading Dr. Shah to pursue formal engineering education. 1m35s
- To qualify for a master’s program in biomedical engineering, Dr. Shah took a one-year break from hospital work to study mathematics and physics, eventually gaining admission to a university in Glasgow. 1m50s
- Following the completion of engineering studies, the team developed a functional 3D-printed hand, creating their own circuits and code. 2m15s
- The 3D-printed hand was successfully tested on a child amputee at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. 2m35s
Digital Workflow for Custom Medical Devices
- Students are encouraged to explore current technologies independently to better prepare for university-level inquiries and understand practical applications of modern tools 0s.
- Orthotic devices, such as splints for arthritis, can be created using 3D scanning technology already available on standard smartphones and tablets 42s.
- The process for creating custom medical devices involves scanning a limb, generating a digital file, and sending that file to a design team regardless of the patient's geographic location 1m5s.
- Generative AI is utilized to model and design these devices with minimal human intervention, as the software is capable of handling 80 to 90 percent of the design work 1m22s.
- Once the AI-driven design is complete, the device is 3D printed, post-processed with protective coatings, and shipped directly to the user 1m38s.
- The same technological workflow is applied to produce a variety of customized medical equipment, including helmets, splints, and braces 1m52s.
- Generative AI can optimize mechanical components, such as hinges, by creating designs that possess less mass while maintaining or exceeding the strength of human-designed counterparts 2m35s.
Signal Processing and AI in Bionic Prosthetics
- Bionic hands utilize EMG signals, which appear as high-frequency sine waves, to interpret muscle or brain signals 3m15s.
- Distinct patterns within these high-frequency sine waves correspond to specific hand movements, such as opening or closing the hand, which allows for the control of bionic devices 3m30s.
- Artificial intelligence is integrated into chips to detect patterns and make automated decisions, such as controlling the movement of a prosthetic hand 0s.
Engineering Spinal Braces and Orthotic Solutions
- Spinal braces are used to treat spinal deformities, such as curved spines or hunchbacks, by applying corrective pressure 15s.
- The design process for spinal braces involves taking an X-ray and calculating the Cobb’s angle, a trigonometric measurement derived from intersecting lines 26s.
- The calculation of the Cobb’s angle informs the specific pressure points required for the design of the orthotic device 38s.
- The creation of medical devices involves an interdisciplinary approach that combines physics, engineering, and biology 44s.
- 3D printing technology is utilized to manufacture these braces, offering the versatility to select specific materials based on patient needs 51s.
- A variety of materials, including carbon fiber, polypropylene, and foam, can be used in 3D printing to ensure the device is firm, strong, and comfortable for 24-hour wear 1m2s.
