Embedded motion for compact medical devices

Transform large, expensive, and complicated-to-use instruments into small, affordable, and easy-to-use instruments and devices. We help designers embed precision motion into their next-generation systems for DNA sequencing, pathogen detection, clinical imaging, robotic surgery, medial research and more.

M3 smart modules are highly compact motion systems with micrometer precision. They work on battery power and perform at any orientation. They resist shock, vibration and temperature extremes.

Analytical Instruments

M3 modules move lenses, samples or image planes inside smaller instruments.  Our customers are bringing laboratory-quality results to medical workers in clinical and remote settings.

• DNA Sequencing – precision motion of optics for laser/light source beam focus and shaping, and precision motion of samples.
• Handheld blood analyzers for fast, accurate, lower-cost near patient testing (NPT) in clinics, remote locations and resource-limited settings.
• Portable In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) systems with precision focus to identify cells or markers, or flow cytometry to count and sort cells.
• Portable and wearable devices for point-of-care diagnostics, home monitoring and telemedicine.

Clinical Imaging

• Handheld optometry devices including fundus cameras, retinal cameras and autorefractors.
• Wearable assisted vision devices to improve quality of life for the vision-impaired.
• Miniature cameras for medical imaging and robotic surgery.
• Handheld video microscopes.

Robotic Surgery

• Endoscope cameras.
• Laser scalpels small enough to fit in an endoscope.
• Active handshake stabilization systems.

Other Medical Applications

• Implantable devices that are adjustable in situ for drug delivery, orthopedics (bone growth and spine straightening), audiology, neurology, pain management, sleep apnea treatment and more. The implanted devices can be non-magnetic and MRI-safe.
• Electrophysiology research – Instruments for electrode and silicon probe positioning – read the case study to learn how we used standard M3 microstages to develop our Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System.

Piezoelectric UTAF and SQUIGGLE motors in our all-in-one modules generate no electromagnetic fields and can be made entirely from non-ferrous materials for use in or near MRI systems without affecting image quality or motor performance.