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Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, along with partners including the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and the Faculty of Engineering, collaborated to host an event aimed at offering students and healthcare professionals an opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in scientific knowledge. During the event, the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre (MTEC), a division of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), presented the achievements of its Engineering Design and Computational Research Group, spotlighting various projects.
Among these projects, one notable innovation was the “Breast Simulation Platform.” This platform was designed to serve as a training tool, enabling users to develop their skills in accurately diagnosing breast-related issues using ultrasound and biopsy techniques. Breast-related health issues, including potential tumours and abnormalities, require an accurate and timely diagnosis for effective treatment and care.
This innovative platform addresses this challenge by providing a realistic and immersive training environment for medical professionals, students, and practitioners. It offers a simulated experience that mirrors real-life scenarios, allowing users to practice and refine their diagnostic skills. By integrating cutting-edge technology, users can learn to interpret ultrasound images and perform biopsies with high accuracy.
Another significant development was a “Prototype Platform for Vital Signs,” capable of digitising vital signs, heartbeats, and lung sounds. This platform could revolutionise telemedicine and initial diagnoses by applying artificial intelligence (AI).
Traditionally, the measurement and monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate, have been conducted using manual methods, often requiring the physical presence of healthcare providers. However, in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, there is a growing demand for remote and digital healthcare solutions, especially when immediate access to medical professionals may not be feasible.
The “Prototype Platform for Vital Signs” addresses this need by offering a comprehensive solution for digitising and remotely monitoring patients’ vital signs. This platform can collect and analyse crucial health data in real-time through advanced sensors and AI algorithms.
Additionally, MTEC NSTDA presented a groundbreaking project involving “Personalised Prosthetic Fingers” created using advanced 3D printing technology. This innovation promises to enhance the quality of life for individuals with limb differences.
Individuals with limb differences face unique challenges in their daily lives. Prosthetic devices have long been a vital resource for improving mobility and functionality for these individuals. However, the journey to acquiring and using prosthetic limbs has often been associated with various limitations, including cost, customisation, and adaptability.
The “Personalised Prosthetic Fingers” project represents a paradigm shift in how prosthetic devices are conceived and developed. At its core, this innovation leverages the incredible potential of 3D printing technology to create prosthetic fingers that are not only highly functional but also tailored to the needs and preferences of each individual.
Lastly, the centre showcased its work in “Motion Analysis with Musculoskeletal Modeling,” a project with diverse applications ranging from improving sports performance to aiding rehabilitation processes. This project, rooted in biomechanics and computational modelling, explores human motion dynamics and its relationship with musculoskeletal structures. At its core, it seeks to understand how the human body moves, functions, and responds to various physical activities and external forces.
It’s important to note that the “Motion Analysis with Musculoskeletal Modeling” project relies heavily on cutting-edge technologies such as motion capture systems, computational modelling, and data analytics. These technologies enable researchers to collect vast amounts of data on human movement, which can then be analysed and translated into actionable insights.
By delving into the intricate mechanics of human motion, this project opens doors to various applications that can enhance sports performance, rehabilitation processes, workplace safety, elderly care, orthopaedic practices, education, and research. Its impact extends far beyond the confines of a laboratory, promising to shape the future of healthcare, sports, and mobility for individuals of all ages and abilities.
These innovations mark the MTEC NSTDA’s unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and medical services through cutting-edge technology and research. In an era where digital innovation is pivotal in transforming various industries, the MTEC NSTDA stands at the forefront of pioneering solutions that have far-reaching implications for health and medicine. Through their showcased projects, they have demonstrated their technical prowess and dedication to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.