In this paper a novel design of an actively powered arm orthotics is discussed. A light and effective electromechanical motor gear combination is designed which produces torque directly at the elbow. The modular design of the drive system makes it possible to use it in different applications in the field of orthotics, prosthetics and exoskeletons. The EMG sensors are used to measure the nerve impulses. These impulses are then analyzed to generate the reference torque and position values and send it to the motion control unit. This type of actively powered orthotics is developed as a part of an European research project for patients with apoplectic stroke. However, the same principle can also be used in exoskeleton robots.

This paper shows the development of a novel sensor system for the application in the field of diagnostics of blood vessels. In a development project between Fraunhofer IPA and Gutmann Medizinelektronik e.k. an older sensor principle, using quicksilver for the detection of the change of expansion, is replaced by a new sensor concept. The new sensor system uses a combination of fixed and flexible sensor modules to detect the expansion of the outline of a limb. The core of the sensor system is a hall sensor, which is integrated in a fixed module. In this paper we show the methodic development process of the sensor and the working concept of the final prototype.