Micromechatronics in medicine

Micromechatronic systems integrate miniature precision mechanisms, actuators, sensors, and embedded control. They are suitable for application in the medical field particularly when miniaturization, reliability, and intimate interaction with the human body are required. Medical applications not only motivate the miniaturization of mechatronic systems, but also encourage the development of novel concepts and technologies for the integration of artificial and biological components into "hybrid" micromechatronic systems, thus giving origin to a new and intriguing field of research and application known as "biomechatronics". Micromechatronic devices can be exploited for acute intervention or for permanent (short- and long-term) implant in the human body. This paper presents many examples of both types of devices being developed in our laboratory, and discusses their associated open problems. Application fields include sensory substitution, internal organs substitution, neural prosthetics, and minimally invasive surgery. Most of the projects are performed in collaboration with other European research groups and industries and supported by programs by the European Union. The conclusion of our analysis is that medical applications of micromechatronics may have tremendous impact on the quality of medical care and may become a very attractive industrial market, provided that some critical technical problems are addressed and solved.