AdvancedManufacturing.org
cells so that it promotes cell health and growth and they printed a lattice of micro-channels throughout the struc- tures. These channels allow nutrients and oxygen from the body to diffuse into the structures and keep them live while they develop a system of blood vessels. It has been previously shown that tissue structures with-
out ready-made blood vessels must be smaller than 200 µm (0.007 inches) for cells to survive. In these studies, a baby- sized ear structure (38 mm) survived and showed signs of vascularization at one and two months after implantation. “Our results indicate that the bio-ink combination we
used, combined with the micro-channels, provides the right environment to keep the cells alive and to support cell and tissue growth,” Atala said. Another advantage of the ITOP system is its ability to
use data from CT and MRI scans to “tailor-make” tissue for patients. For a patient missing an ear, for example, the system could print a matching structure. Several proof-of-concept experiments demonstrated the capabilities of ITOP. To show that ITOP can generate complex 3D structures, printed, human-sized external ears were implanted under the skin of mice. Two months later, the shape of the implanted ear was well-maintained and cartilage tissue and blood vessels had formed. To demonstrate that ITOP can generate organized soft
tissue structures, printed muscle tissue was implanted in rats. After two weeks, tests confirmed that the muscle was robust enough to maintain its structural characteristics, become vascularized and induce nerve formation.
And, to show that construction of a human-sized bone
structure is possible, jaw bone fragments were printed using human stem cells. The fragments were the size and shape needed for facial reconstruction. To study the maturation of bioprinted bone in the body, printed segments of skull bone were implanted in rats. After five months, the bioprinted structures had formed vascularized bone tissue.
Clearpath Robotics expands line of industrial self-driving vehicles
C
learpath Robotics has expanded the OTTO line of self-driving vehicles with OTTO 100, a vehicle is de- signed for autonomous light-load material transport
in factories and warehouses. “The OTTO 100 takes the high quality and reliability of
the OTTO 1500 and puts those advanced capabilities into a smaller form factor.” said Matt Rendall, chief executive officer at Clearpath. “This enables new self-driving services in distribution, e-commerce, and manufacturing.” The OTTO 100 system delivers dynamic and efficient light-load transport in increasingly congested industrial operations. Traditional material handling systems require costly and rigid changes to infrastructure, cannot adapt to a changing environment, and are not safe for col- laboration with warehouse personnel. OTTO doesn’t rely on external infrastructure for navigation, making imple-
The Otto 100 is designed for autonomous light-load material transport in factories and warehouses.
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Photo courtesy Clearpath Robotics
Spring 2016
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