Robotics Core

肌肉骨骼机器人和机械测试核心

Musculoskeletal Robotics and Mechanical Testing Core The primary mission of the Musculoskeletal Robotics and Mechanical Testing Core is to provide facilities and services for mechanical testing of musculoskeletal tissues, joints, and joint complexes. This will be accomplished through: (1) an organizational structure for access to shared equipment and resources; (2) the availability of expert advice for development and use of test protocols and instrumentation techniques; and (3) assistance with data collection, analysis, and archiving. Three existing test facilities will be part of the Core: two uniaxial material testing systems, and one biaxial testing system. These are primarily used for quantification of material properties in soft tissue and bone. A new 6-axis robotic testing system is being added to complement these facilities. The robotic system will serve as a general-purpose testing system which can apply controlled three-dimensional motions and forces to specimens. Such tests are needed in structures where tissue deformation and joint motion both play important roles, such as in joints, spine segments, and feet. There are currently six independently funded investigators with projects that will make use of the Core facilities. Two of these study mechanisms for overuse injury, i.e., the effect of repetitive loading on the biology and mechanics of connective tissue. Two investigators are interested in acute injury mechanisms: heel fractures and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. The other two studies are on therapeutic footwear and spinal implants, and both of these rely on advanced mechanical testing to find optimal design parameters. All six researchers have strong backgrounds in biomechanics. Access to testing facilities and technical support is also becoming increasingly important for non-specialists. Our Research Base includes strong programs in tissue engineering and in joint surgery, both of which will benefit greatly from access to modern biomechanical testing techniques.