Printed Kirigami Sensor Hugs Shoulder to Measure Recovery
7:4:23 2019-10-21 765

The thing that separates us apes from monkeys is the range of motion of our shoulders. Able to swoop from vine to vine, apes have a very complex joint whose motion hasn’t been studied in full detail. That’s because it is very difficult to position sensors on and around the shoulder that will conform to the shoulder and stay in place as it is exercised. When one’s shoulders are injured, the typical way of measuring recovery is with a simple protractor that simply indicates how many degrees of movement the arm can achieve.

 

Researchers at the University of Michigan have now developed an unusual device that can facilitate objective shoulder joint assessments.

 

Printed as a flat object, the device takes on a 3D structure as it is pulled apart into its working shape. This trick is possible thanks to methods taken from the Japanese art of kirigami, which involves making sculptures from cut and bent paper.

It is made of plastic arranged in concentric circles, and when pulled looks like a Slinky toy. The circles can hug the shoulder, with the wider ones wrapping around the more distant part of the shoulder.

 

Strain sensors on the plastic material allow for measurements of motion in different directions and paths. Currently there are only two in the Michigan team’s prototype, but it should be possible to integrate many more using the same techniques.

 

This device has already been tested against a video based joint tracker, the kind used in movies, and it was shown to have an impressive correlation. The researchers hope that rehab clinics will be able to take advantage of their technology to guide therapy and help patients recover quicker.

Forgive Others   2025-07-23
Reality Of Islam

A Mathematical Approach to the Quran

10:52:33   2024-02-16  

mediation

2:36:46   2023-06-04  

what Allah hates the most

5:1:47   2023-06-01  

allahs fort

11:41:7   2023-05-30  

striving for success

2:35:47   2023-06-04  

Imam Ali Describes the Holy Quran

5:0:38   2023-06-01  

livelihood

11:40:13   2023-05-30  

silence about wisdom

3:36:19   2023-05-29  

Gold remains perfectly solid wh

read more

MOST VIEWS

Importance of Media

9:3:43   2018-11-05

Illuminations

people in need

4:25:57   2023-02-11

think well

8:39:51   2022-09-23

education importance

7:26:19   2022-04-08

knowing what to say

6:0:8   2023-03-19



IMmORTAL Words
LATEST Washing Your Hands Is Even More Important in Summer. Here is Why. The Perseids Meteor Shower Peaks This Week: Here is When to Look Up Scientists Discovered This Amazing Practical Use for Leftover Coffee Grounds Reforming Society and Culture Introduction of Surah Maryam Overall, Views About Patience Just One High-Fat Meal Can Disrupt Blood Flow to Your Brain, Study Finds Release of ChatGPT-5 Beginning of a New Era for Humanity Giant Stick Insect Found Hiding in Rainforest May Be Australias Heaviest The Role and Influence of Friends Interpretation of Sura Hud - Verses 114-115 Summary of the Meanings of Patience