Medicus April 2016

T E C H N O L O G Y

Since 2009, Google’s fleet of autonomous cars have driven well over 2 million kilometres. During that time, there have been 17 minor crashes, one resulting in minor injuries. All reported crashes have been caused by other drivers on the road. There is no doubt that driverless cars are safer than we are, and companies are starting to bank on that fact. For example, the RAC will commence Australia’s first ‘autonomous electric bus trial’ in Perth this year.

Green light: The autonomous electric bus that is being trialled by the RAC this year. Pic: Navya

The trial is being conducted by the RAC in conjunction with the Department of Transport and was announced by State Transport Minister Dean Nalder in February. “It is not a matter of if this technology will come to WA, but when it will, and that time is fast approaching. Initially, the trials will be conducted at RAC’s driving centre, but eventually the shuttle will take to Perth roads,” Mr Nalder said. The bus is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers and reaching speeds of 45km/h – so while it might not be too efficient in navigating Perth’s freeways, it could be a useful alternative to public transport options in regional towns. Bionic exoskeletons have garnered a significant amount of attention in recent years, and huge jumps in the functionality of this tech have been made. The potential this technology has for people suffering from physical disabilities is tremendous and trials are well underway. The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for example, has been used in medical institutions across Japan, and was even used to help in the clean-up work following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. HAL was developed in Japan by robotics company Cyberdyne and already has global safety certification as well as EC certification for clinical use in Europe.

of the skin when nerve signals are sent to muscles from the brain, allowing the suit to support or enhance the required movement. It’s not the only exoskeleton making big strides. American company Ekso Bionics has a hydraulically powered exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to stand and walk.

Aid in flight: A drone carrying blood samples takes off in Malawi. Pic: Unicef

Earlier this month, Ekso Bionics became the first robotic exoskeleton to receive clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration to market its product for victims of stroke or spinal injury. It’s a huge step in rehabilitating stroke patients, and could dramatically improve patient outcomes. ■

HAL operates by reading small biosignals on the surface

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