RIO Mechanical Tracking System
Optimized robotic design for efficiency, ergonomics, and user feedback
Develop faster, more reliable system setup
Conceptualize optical and mechanical registration techniques
Study ergonomic concerns and develop improved end-effector designs
This BlackHägen Design (BH) proposal outlines the industrial design and human factors engineering for the mechanical tracking subsystem of the MAKO RIO system, focusing on replacing the existing optical tracking system. The project is divided into two phases, aiming to integrate the RIO brand identity while ensuring premium quality and robust usability. BH will collaborate with Mako R&D to define the mechanical configuration, electronic requirements, and methods of manufacture, assembly, and servicing. The project involves designing a tracker arm system that ensures ease-of-use across multiple surgical procedures, such as knee resurfacing and total hip surgery. Phase 1 includes conceptualization, reviewing usability requirements, and developing 2-3 design concepts, while Phase 2 focuses on CAD model development, human factors testing, and refining the final design. The final deliverables will include detailed CAD models, usability reports, and a refined tracking system design ready for implementation.
Design Research and Industrial Design
• Reviewed first generation robot design to understand strengths and weaknesses
• Tasked with studying existing setup procedures, and conceptualize ways to reduce overall case time
• Touch-free optical registration was considered, along with more traditional mechanical encoders attached to bone-anchored fiducial markers
• Research uncovered ergonomic failings of the first-generation end-effector touchpoints
• BH developed stimuli models to collect user-feedback on preferred grip styles and spatial layouts
• Convergent modeling and testing provided MAKO with superior gross AND fine-resection touchpoints that reduced hand strain and injury opportunities
