MODELLING AND SIMULATION


 Respiratory digital twin: modelling air flow and particles deposition in patient-specific lungs


Robotic-assisted surgery is another


developing field, which allows precision robotic tools to act like a surgeon’s arms, hands and fingers, allowing surgeons to reach areas the human hand cannot reach without making large incisions. Surgeons using haptic technology can


control the movement of a robotic arm, but when they strike an obstacle during a surgical procedure, they feel the force of the obstacle against their hand and can take steps to avoid it. Engineers at Quanser used Maple to


develop the controllers both for the robot motion and for the haptic feedback to a surgeon’s hands. The engineers first modelled the behaviour of the mechanism and, using Maple, developed the systems of differential equations that modelled the kinematics and dynamics of the system. Goossens said: ‘Once this was done, the


g


period and sometimes helping avoid dramatic situations,’ Marchal added.


Rise of the robots The use of robotics in medical devices is another evolving area, according to Goossens. In the biomechanics field, a team of researchers led by Dr Andrew James Smith, at York University, have used MapleSim to model autonomous battery operations in humanoid robots and electrical assistive devices. Goossens said: ‘The research group


undertook the task of determining at what point in the transitions between sitting and standing energy can be regenerated in an orthosis or prosthesis, much like how a hybrid vehicle regenerates energy during braking by drawing it from the motor for re-use in the vehicle’s operation.’ Biomechanical data from human trials was used to provide the desired trajectories for the simulations in a multi- domain model in MapleSim, allowing the robotic model to mimic human movements when transitioning between sitting and standing positions. Goossens said: ‘The group’s findings have a meaningful application for prostheses and orthoses design, and determining the most efficient battery autonomy means the operation time of these devices can be extended, and smaller, lighter batteries can be used, reducing their bulk. Ultimately, a more efficient device can reduce joint loads during standing-to-sitting for users – critical for people suffering from joint diseases.’


20 Scientific Computing World December 2018/January 2019


team could very quickly test their model by solving the equations of motion, and develop the control strategies within the Maple environment. The work in this area has far-reaching and exciting implications for the future of robotically-assisted surgery, such as brain microsurgery, nanosurgery and telesurgery. The time for remote surgery with a sensory element is definitely here.’


Digital twins Digital twins are a popular emerging application area in the medical devices arena. Here, a computer model of the patient can test new devices before the real patient receives the device. Goossens explained: ‘[A digital twin] creates the perfect companion for


“This never-ending challenge requires more research and investment to improve the models in their accuracy, long-term predictability and ensure we fully understand the limitations of the current models”


diagnostics, maintenance and product innovations. Modern design tools can create model-driven digital twins to assist in all stages of product design, and because it doesn’t need test data to predict behaviour, it can be used for conceptual design before any physical prototype of a device has been constructed.’ This has positive implications for the


patient, as Marchal explained: ‘This allows medical professionals to implant medical devices and assess the impact on your body, or they can give your digital twin some medicines and assess how your body would react to specific doses. ‘This is opening the door to predictive medicine which will be able to predict what could happen to you, and also preventative medicine able to suggest the treatment to prevent health issues before they impact your life. When digital twins become a widespread reality, we expect that the cost of healthcare will dramatically decrease, while each of us will enjoy a longer and healthier life,’ Marchal added.


 Using MapleSim’s multi-domain


environment, designers were able to accurately simulate the necessary motions in order to properly analyse battery autonomy in assistive devices


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