Since 1985, the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center (ISRC) has developed and applied robotics expertise to provide unique solutions to national security and industrial challenges. With this vast experience, the ISRC is at the forefront in technologies such as electromechanical design, control systems, system integration, modeling and simulation, and sensor integration.

Most recently the ISRC has been applying this knowledge to the development of biomechanical products in conjunction with private industry. The goals of these efforts are to apply the latest technology developed for national security to the medical industry; to promote the national economy; and to improve the products available to patients and physicians for better diagnosis and treatment.

Through sponsorship by the DOE’s Initiative for Proliferation Prevention (IPP), other government agencies, and outside industry, the ISRC is developing innovative biomechanical products including new prosthetic systems. The IPP has initiated six biomechanical projects including Active Wheel Chair Seat Cushion, Back Support System, Rolling Joint Foot and Ankle, Advanced Electronic Knee, Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Smart Integrated Lower Limb. These projects employed the talents of the ISRC, VNIITF (Chelyabinsk-70, a Russian nuclear weapons facility), and United States industrial partners. The partnerships were chosen in order to establish independent business relations between US industry and former Russian weapons scientists, and to guarantee that superior biomechanical products reach the market. (Click here to read more about VNIITF - pdf file.) Click here for additional information: http://www.afsa.org/essaycontest/winningessay04.cfm

3D Ultrasonic Imaging and Paradex are other key technologies Sandia National Laboratories developed in collaboration with outside industry to solve both defense and industrial challenges. As the ISRC expands its knowledge of the medical industry, we will continue to translate defense-related technology into novel biomechanical solutions.

To find out more about how Sandia is transforming biomedical applications, choose a link below.