VUSE Media Spotlight 2012 Archive
VUSE Media Spotlight Archives
2014 | 2013 | 2012
December 28, 2012
Fox News: ‘Walking robot’ allows paralyzed man to move again
An exoskeleton used at Mt. Sinai hospital in New York is helping a man paralyzed in a car accident stand and walk again. A different, lighter exoskeleton developed at Vanderbilt by Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is mentioned.
December 14, 2012
Plain Dealer: Parker Hannifin developing robotic exoskeleton to help paralyzed people walk (video)
Cleveland-based industrial giant Parker Hannifin has licensed from Vanderbilt University the exoskeleton technology and will be the first medical device produced by the company. The company’s decision to commercialize the medical device was part of the strategy to display leadership and initiative in the motion and control technologies. Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Chair in Mechanical Engineering, is quoted.
December 13, 2012
OandP: Vanderbilt developing a multigrasp myoelectric hand
Researchers at the Vanderbilt University’s Center for Intelligent Mechatronics have developed a multigrasp myoelectric prosthetic hand and control structure that allow intuitive control for amputees. Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Chair in Mechanical Engineering, is quoted.
December 5, 2012
Nashville Post: Nashville Entrepreneur Center, VU to partner in course
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Vanderbilt University are teaming to offer a three-credit studio and lab.
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November 28, 2012
Fast Company: Co.Exist: This light, affordable exoskeleton could help the paralyzed walk again
An exoskeleton developed by Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the lightest, most versatile and most affordable exoskeleton yet available for paraplegics. It also features built-in functional electrical stimulation, a therapy that triggers weak muscles to help them regain strength.
November 26, 2012
The Tennessean: Device to let paraplegics walk being developed by Vanderbilt engineers
A Vanderbilt University engineering team is poised to completely change the life of paraplegics with the creation of a computerized strap-on device that will allow those paralyzed from the waist down to stand and walk. Designer Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers of Mechanical Engineering, and device “test pilot” Brian Shaffer are quoted.
November 17, 2012
The New York Times: When Robotic Surgery Leaves Just a Scratch
New robotic systems are allowing surgery with just a single incision, potentially accelerating the recovery time for patients. Nabil Simaan, professor of mechanical engineering, is mentioned.
November 14, 2012
National Public Radio: Shots: I, robot: Paraplegics get an assist
Though much of it is still experimental, new gear is giving some paraplegics a chance to walk again. Researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for instance, have developed a robotic exoskeleton that straps over paralyzed limbs. With crutches, paraplegics can stand, walk and even climb stairs. Inventor Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is quoted. The blog post appeared on the websites of affiliated public radio stations across the country. The story was also reported by SpaceDaily.
November 12, 2012
Nashville Business Journal: Program to promote tech entrepreneurship
A five-member Technology Entrepreneurship Task Force in the Vanderbilt School of Engineering aims to connect tech-savvy undergrads with entrepreneurial ambitions to local companies and business leaders. The program was launched by Dean Philippe Fauchet in mid-October.
November 6, 2012
Discover Magazine: Man climbs 103 stories with a mind-controlled prosthetic leg
On Sunday, amputee Zac Vawter climbed 103 stories of the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western hemisphere, using a prosthetic limb he controlled with his thoughts. The leg was designed and built by Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering. The story was also reported by the Associated Press.
Chronicle of Higher Education: Warming Up to MOOCs
A guest post by Douglas H. Fisher, associate professor of computer science and computer engineering, looks at the growing trend in massive open online courses (MOOCs) and the ability to use the available lecture material to “flip” and update courses.
November 1, 2012
Huffington Post: Subways, tunnels resume partial operation following Hurricane Sandy closures
Even before the storm, climate experts warned that New York City’s transit system was vulnerable to serious weather damage. While the city is already providing limited bus and subway service, bringing everything back online will—and should—take time. Mark Abkowitz, professor of civil and environmental engineering, is quoted.
Gizmag: Vanderbilt University steps into the exoskeleton market
The Vanderbilt exoskeleton, developed by Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is lighter and lower-profile than other exoskeletons on the market, enabling the user to put it on without assistance and still be able to use the wheelchair while wearing it if necessary. It also allows users to adjust the level of support and provides therapeutic electrical stimulation for users with some muscle function. The story is also reported by TGDaily.
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October 31, 2012
Futurity: ‘Segway with legs’ lets people with paralysis walk
A wearable robot developed by Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and colleagues at the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics offers people with severe spinal cord injuries an unprecedented degree of independence, allowing them to stand, walk, sit, and climb stairs. The story was also reported in MedGadget.
October 30, 2012
Equities.com: Parker signs licensing agreement with Vanderbilt for exoskeleton technology and targets commercial launch in 2014
Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vanderbilt for its exoskeleton technology, which allows individuals with severe spinal cord injury to walk and enhances rehabilitation for people who have suffered a stroke. The agreement gives Parker exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sell the device. Parker intends to invest in further development of the technology and establish a business unit targeting commercial launch of the exoskeleton device in 2014.
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