OREANDA-NEWS. Shvabe Holding has proceeded to creation of a prototype of the device for bionic artificial limb with anthropomorphic neuromuscular control as a part of the large-scale project - "Creation of the element base for exoskeletons and robot engineering".

"The project goal is to develop the technology and organize the manufacture of innovative robotized devices, systems and complexes with biosensoric control elements made on the basis of bioengineering modules. The module, which is being developed by Shvabe, is planned to launch into serial production this year. It will become a key component of the control system for the bionic robotized external artificial limb", told Nickolai Rakovich, Shvabe JSC's deputy general director for R&D and innovative development.

Leading national research centres including the enterprise being a member of Shvabe Holding, are engaged in the integrated project of the whole cycle to be implemented as a part of the federal target-oriented program in the line of the "Medicine of the future" platform. The process solution has been created in the laboratory of the Biomedical engineering institute at MGTU named after N.E. Baumann. The innovation implements anthropomorphic control in real timemode. The development has no analogues in the world and can compete with world leaders in the sphere of bionic artificiallimbs and medical robotized complexes.

Specialists from Zagorsk optical and mechanical plant OJSC, a Shvabe Holding's enterprise, take part in the investigations and in technological development of the project. At present the technology of manufacture of registering biosensors has been mastered and the creation of a prototype being a four-conductor electrode group, which is a part of the module designed for registration of neuromuscular control signals has begun.

According to specialists, the development of such important direction is necessary at the present time as one of the significant medical and social problems in the society still remains the rehabilitation of citizens that have lost mobility due to accidents, heavy diseases and opeeations. In order to enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment of diseases related to limited sensitivity and mobility of extremities, the rehabilitation methods with the use of robotized complexes have become being used in recent years. It allows to reduce the time of patient recovery, partially return to the patient the possibility to move and hence improve the quality and duration of life. In this context, the creation of highly effective innovative medical engineering equipment based on bioengineering modules for exoskeleton is the relevant state-level task.

In addition, the creation of domestic element base for exoskeletons and robot engineering implies import phase-out in this sphere and, consequently, significant reduction of prices for such important, vitally and socially necessary, products, which at present reach several million roubles.