Robotic End-Effector for Combat Casualty Care

The use of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) in search-and-rescue missions is a promising force-multiplier for U.S. military interests. However, current robotic end-effectors have almost exclusively been developed for industrial and manufacturing purposes using a two-finger configuration limiting their ability to perform more than one task.  To aid in combat casualty care, a new end-effector design capable of (i) safe and strong physical interaction with a patient and (ii) dexterous and stable physical manipulation of medical objects is needed.  To achieve this, Corvid Technologies, in partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology, has created a simulation-based design approach to develop a novel robotic end-effector capable of performing a variety of prehospital medical tasks including, but not limited to, placement of a pulse oximeter of a patient’s finger, manipulation of a patient’s limb, and grasping tools for procedures such as a needle decompression or a fasciotomy.  Following the end-effector design, a working prototype will be fabricated, attached to an articulated robotic system, and used to demonstrate the medical capabilities .  The task specific, simulation-based design approach will accelerate the design process to produce a unique robotic end-effector capable of performing many prehospital medical tasks in the RAS setting for the U.S. military.