TSI has recently released a biomechanical simulator to support cutting edge research at the Human Mobility Research Centre at Queens University in Kingston.

TSI’s Multi-channel Simulator in the Lab

Validation of the system using surrogate Sawbones™

Custom electronics developed by TSI

The test machine was developed to enable the research team to study the stability of prostheses, in this case a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

TSI developed and supplied a fully integrated system, comprising of three series-elastic actuators, which reproduce the muscle forces, and a fourth actuator to apply external perturbations (dislocations) to the joint.  The four channels operate independently or coupled, using displacement and/or force control and have real-time tracking of the loads and position.

The system provides a high force fidelity, low impedance and excellent control bandwidth solution at a low overall cost.  It is powered by modular and expandable custom electronics hardware and controls software developed in-house by TSI, and most importantly, it has an intuitive, open-source interface.

Not only did we provide an effective physical solution, we provided a platform for innovation, allowing the team at Queens to focus their efforts on what is important – the research itself.