Smart Material Systems and MEMS

Smart Material Systems and MEMS

Author: Vijay K. Varadan

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2006-11-02

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 0470093625

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Presenting unified coverage of the design and modeling of smart micro- and macrosystems, this book addresses fabrication issues and outlines the challenges faced by engineers working with smart sensors in a variety of applications. Part I deals with the fundamental concepts of a typical smart system and its constituent components. Preliminary fabrication and characterization concepts are introduced before design principles are discussed in detail. Part III presents a comprehensive account of the modeling of smart systems, smart sensors and actuators. Part IV builds upon the fundamental concepts to analyze fabrication techniques for silicon-based MEMS in more detail. Practicing engineers will benefit from the detailed assessment of applications in communications technology, aerospace, biomedical and mechanical engineering. The book provides an essential reference or textbook for graduates following a course in smart sensors, actuators and systems.


Book Synopsis Smart Material Systems and MEMS by : Vijay K. Varadan

Download or read book Smart Material Systems and MEMS written by Vijay K. Varadan and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-11-02 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presenting unified coverage of the design and modeling of smart micro- and macrosystems, this book addresses fabrication issues and outlines the challenges faced by engineers working with smart sensors in a variety of applications. Part I deals with the fundamental concepts of a typical smart system and its constituent components. Preliminary fabrication and characterization concepts are introduced before design principles are discussed in detail. Part III presents a comprehensive account of the modeling of smart systems, smart sensors and actuators. Part IV builds upon the fundamental concepts to analyze fabrication techniques for silicon-based MEMS in more detail. Practicing engineers will benefit from the detailed assessment of applications in communications technology, aerospace, biomedical and mechanical engineering. The book provides an essential reference or textbook for graduates following a course in smart sensors, actuators and systems.


Smart Materials Taxonomy

Smart Materials Taxonomy

Author: Victor Goldade

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2015-10-22

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1498716202

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Smart materials have been categorized employing taxonomical methods used in classification of cybernetics systems. This approach has allowed the systematization of the variety of smart materials (both developed and conceptualized) as well to substantiate the three-stage process of the materials’ making. This book proposes a phenomenological model describing smart materials.


Book Synopsis Smart Materials Taxonomy by : Victor Goldade

Download or read book Smart Materials Taxonomy written by Victor Goldade and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-10-22 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Smart materials have been categorized employing taxonomical methods used in classification of cybernetics systems. This approach has allowed the systematization of the variety of smart materials (both developed and conceptualized) as well to substantiate the three-stage process of the materials’ making. This book proposes a phenomenological model describing smart materials.


3D Printing in Biomedical Engineering

3D Printing in Biomedical Engineering

Author: Sunpreet Singh

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-07-16

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 9811554242

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This book gives a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving field of three-dimensional (3D) printing, and its increasing applications in the biomedical domain. 3D printing has distinct advantages like improved quality, cost-effectiveness, and higher efficiency compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Besides these advantages, current challenges and opportunities regarding choice of material, design, and efficiency are addressed in the book. Individual chapters also focus on select areas of applications such as surgical guides, tissue regeneration, artificial scaffolds and implants, and drug delivery and release. This book will be a valuable source of information for researchers and professionals interested in the expanding biomedical applications of 3D printing.


Book Synopsis 3D Printing in Biomedical Engineering by : Sunpreet Singh

Download or read book 3D Printing in Biomedical Engineering written by Sunpreet Singh and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-16 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving field of three-dimensional (3D) printing, and its increasing applications in the biomedical domain. 3D printing has distinct advantages like improved quality, cost-effectiveness, and higher efficiency compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Besides these advantages, current challenges and opportunities regarding choice of material, design, and efficiency are addressed in the book. Individual chapters also focus on select areas of applications such as surgical guides, tissue regeneration, artificial scaffolds and implants, and drug delivery and release. This book will be a valuable source of information for researchers and professionals interested in the expanding biomedical applications of 3D printing.


Smart Structures

Smart Structures

Author: Vinod K. Wadhawan

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2007-10-18

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 0199229171

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Smartness is often associated with living beings, as they can adapt themselves to changing situations. Artificial smart structures are designed to mimic biological structures to a small or large extent. This book gives a comprehensive account of how this can be done. It will be of interest to students and professionals in science and engineering.


Book Synopsis Smart Structures by : Vinod K. Wadhawan

Download or read book Smart Structures written by Vinod K. Wadhawan and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2007-10-18 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Smartness is often associated with living beings, as they can adapt themselves to changing situations. Artificial smart structures are designed to mimic biological structures to a small or large extent. This book gives a comprehensive account of how this can be done. It will be of interest to students and professionals in science and engineering.


Shape Memory Materials

Shape Memory Materials

Author: Arun D I

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-04-27

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 1351119923

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This work addresses the basic principles, synthesis / fabrication and applications of smart materials, specifically shape memory materials Based on origin, the mechanisms of transformations vary in different shape memory materials and are discussed in different chapters under titles of shape memory alloys, ceramics, gels and polymers Complete coverage of composite formation with polymer matrix and reinforcement filler conductive materials with examples


Book Synopsis Shape Memory Materials by : Arun D I

Download or read book Shape Memory Materials written by Arun D I and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-04-27 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work addresses the basic principles, synthesis / fabrication and applications of smart materials, specifically shape memory materials Based on origin, the mechanisms of transformations vary in different shape memory materials and are discussed in different chapters under titles of shape memory alloys, ceramics, gels and polymers Complete coverage of composite formation with polymer matrix and reinforcement filler conductive materials with examples


Smart Maintenance for Human–Robot Interaction

Smart Maintenance for Human–Robot Interaction

Author: Bo Xing

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-09-08

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 3319674803

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This self-contained book, written by active researchers, presents up-to-date information on smart maintenance strategies for human–robot interaction (HRI) and the associated applications of novel search algorithms in a single volume, eliminating the need to consult scattered resources. Unlike other books, it addresses maintaining a smart HRI from three dimensions, namely, hardware, cyberware, and hybrid-asset management, covering problems encountered in each through a wide variety of representative examples and elaborated illustrations. Further, the diverse mathematical models and intelligent systems constructions make the book highly practical. It enables readers interested in maintenance, robotics, and intelligent systems but perplexed by myriads of interrelated issues to grasp basic methodologies. At the same time, the referenced literature can be used as a roadmap for conducting deeper researches.


Book Synopsis Smart Maintenance for Human–Robot Interaction by : Bo Xing

Download or read book Smart Maintenance for Human–Robot Interaction written by Bo Xing and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-09-08 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This self-contained book, written by active researchers, presents up-to-date information on smart maintenance strategies for human–robot interaction (HRI) and the associated applications of novel search algorithms in a single volume, eliminating the need to consult scattered resources. Unlike other books, it addresses maintaining a smart HRI from three dimensions, namely, hardware, cyberware, and hybrid-asset management, covering problems encountered in each through a wide variety of representative examples and elaborated illustrations. Further, the diverse mathematical models and intelligent systems constructions make the book highly practical. It enables readers interested in maintenance, robotics, and intelligent systems but perplexed by myriads of interrelated issues to grasp basic methodologies. At the same time, the referenced literature can be used as a roadmap for conducting deeper researches.


3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials

3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials

Author: Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2019-10-11

Total Pages: 592

ISBN-13: 0128173025

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3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials: Processing, Applications, and Challenges covers advanced 3D and 4D printing processes and the latest developments in novel polymer-based printing materials, thus enabling the reader to understand and benefit from the advantages of this groundbreaking technology. The book presents processes, materials selection, and printability issues, along with sections on the preparation of polymer composite materials for 3D and 4D printing. Across the book, advanced printing techniques are covered and discussed thoroughly, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), inkjet 3D printing (3DP), stereolithography (SLA), and 3D plotting. Finally, major applications areas are discussed, including electronic, aerospace, construction and biomedical applications, with detailed information on the design, fabrication and processing methods required in each case. Provides a thorough, clear understanding of polymer preparation techniques and 3D and 4D printing processes, with a view to specific applications Examines synthesis, formation methodology, the dispersion of fillers, characterization, properties, and performance of polymer nanocomposites Explores the possibilities of 4D printing, covering the usage of stimuli responsive hydrogels and shape memory polymers


Book Synopsis 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials by : Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni

Download or read book 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials written by Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2019-10-11 with total page 592 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials: Processing, Applications, and Challenges covers advanced 3D and 4D printing processes and the latest developments in novel polymer-based printing materials, thus enabling the reader to understand and benefit from the advantages of this groundbreaking technology. The book presents processes, materials selection, and printability issues, along with sections on the preparation of polymer composite materials for 3D and 4D printing. Across the book, advanced printing techniques are covered and discussed thoroughly, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), inkjet 3D printing (3DP), stereolithography (SLA), and 3D plotting. Finally, major applications areas are discussed, including electronic, aerospace, construction and biomedical applications, with detailed information on the design, fabrication and processing methods required in each case. Provides a thorough, clear understanding of polymer preparation techniques and 3D and 4D printing processes, with a view to specific applications Examines synthesis, formation methodology, the dispersion of fillers, characterization, properties, and performance of polymer nanocomposites Explores the possibilities of 4D printing, covering the usage of stimuli responsive hydrogels and shape memory polymers


Interdigital Sensors

Interdigital Sensors

Author: Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-02-15

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 3030626849

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The book highlights the research contributions of the interdigitated (IDT) sensors over a period of two decades in the field of sensing technology. It presents theory, design, and practical realization of the IDT sensors working over wide frequency rage for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications. The IDT sensors have been widely investigated for wide range of sensing applications including agriculture, environmental monitoring, structural health monitoring, health care, food and beverage testing, testing of dielectric material, proximity sensing, microfluidic application, automatic dispensing system etc. Hence, importance of IDT sensors is growing continuously for future applications. As such, it offers a key reference guide on IDT sensors for students, applied physicists, material scientists, engineers, sensors designers and technicians.


Book Synopsis Interdigital Sensors by : Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay

Download or read book Interdigital Sensors written by Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-02-15 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book highlights the research contributions of the interdigitated (IDT) sensors over a period of two decades in the field of sensing technology. It presents theory, design, and practical realization of the IDT sensors working over wide frequency rage for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications. The IDT sensors have been widely investigated for wide range of sensing applications including agriculture, environmental monitoring, structural health monitoring, health care, food and beverage testing, testing of dielectric material, proximity sensing, microfluidic application, automatic dispensing system etc. Hence, importance of IDT sensors is growing continuously for future applications. As such, it offers a key reference guide on IDT sensors for students, applied physicists, material scientists, engineers, sensors designers and technicians.


Wave Propagation in Materials and Structures

Wave Propagation in Materials and Structures

Author: Srinivasan Gopalakrishnan

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2016-11-03

Total Pages: 949

ISBN-13: 1482262800

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This book focuses on basic and advanced concepts of wave propagation in diverse material systems and structures. Topics are organized in increasing order of complexity for better appreciation of the subject. Additionally, the book provides basic guidelines to design many of the futuristic materials and devices for varied applications. The material in the book also can be used for designing safer and more lightweight structures such as aircraft, bridges, and mechanical and structural components. The main objective of this book is to bring both the introductory and the advanced topics of wave propagation into one text. Such a text is necessary considering the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. This book is written in a step-by step modular approach wherein the chapters are organized so that the complexity in the subject is slowly introduced with increasing chapter numbers. Text starts by introducing all the fundamental aspects of wave propagations and then moves on to advanced topics on the subject. Every chapter is provided with a number of numerical examples of increasing complexity to bring out the concepts clearly The solution of wave propagation is computationally very intensive and hence two different approaches, namely, the Finite Element method and the Spectral Finite method are introduced and have a strong focus on wave propagation. The book is supplemented by an exhaustive list of references at the end of the book for the benefit of readers.


Book Synopsis Wave Propagation in Materials and Structures by : Srinivasan Gopalakrishnan

Download or read book Wave Propagation in Materials and Structures written by Srinivasan Gopalakrishnan and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-11-03 with total page 949 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses on basic and advanced concepts of wave propagation in diverse material systems and structures. Topics are organized in increasing order of complexity for better appreciation of the subject. Additionally, the book provides basic guidelines to design many of the futuristic materials and devices for varied applications. The material in the book also can be used for designing safer and more lightweight structures such as aircraft, bridges, and mechanical and structural components. The main objective of this book is to bring both the introductory and the advanced topics of wave propagation into one text. Such a text is necessary considering the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. This book is written in a step-by step modular approach wherein the chapters are organized so that the complexity in the subject is slowly introduced with increasing chapter numbers. Text starts by introducing all the fundamental aspects of wave propagations and then moves on to advanced topics on the subject. Every chapter is provided with a number of numerical examples of increasing complexity to bring out the concepts clearly The solution of wave propagation is computationally very intensive and hence two different approaches, namely, the Finite Element method and the Spectral Finite method are introduced and have a strong focus on wave propagation. The book is supplemented by an exhaustive list of references at the end of the book for the benefit of readers.


Encyclopedia Of Medical Robotics, The (In 4 Volumes)

Encyclopedia Of Medical Robotics, The (In 4 Volumes)

Author:

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2018-08-28

Total Pages: 1555

ISBN-13: 9813232242

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The Encyclopedia of Medical Robotics combines contributions in four distinct areas of Medical robotics, namely: Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics, Micro and Nano Robotics in Medicine, Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions, and Rehabilitation Robotics. The volume on Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics focuses on robotic technologies geared towards challenges and opportunities in minimally invasive surgery and the research, design, implementation and clinical use of minimally invasive robotic systems. The volume on Micro and Nano robotics in Medicine is dedicated to research activities in an area of emerging interdisciplinary technology that is raising new scientific challenges and promising revolutionary advancement in applications such as medicine and biology. The size and range of these systems are at or below the micrometer scale and comprise assemblies of micro and nanoscale components. The volume on Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions focuses primarily on the use of image guidance during surgical procedures and the challenges posed by various imaging environments and how they related to the design and development of robotic systems as well as their clinical applications. This volume also has significant contributions from the clinical viewpoint on some of the challenges in the domain of image-guided interventions. Finally, the volume on Rehabilitation Robotics is dedicated to the state-of-the-art of an emerging interdisciplinary field where robotics, sensors, and feedback are used in novel ways to re-learn, improve, or restore functional movements in humans.Volume 1, Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics, focuses on an area of robotic applications that was established in the late 1990s, after the first robotics-assisted minimally invasive surgical procedure. This area has since received significant attention from industry and researchers. The teleoperated and ergonomic features of these robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have been able to reduce or eliminate most of the drawbacks of conventional (laparoscopic) MIS. Robotics-assisted MIS procedures have been conducted on over 3 million patients to date — primarily in the areas of urology, gynecology and general surgery using the FDA approved da Vinci® surgical system. The significant commercial and clinical success of the da Vinci® system has resulted in substantial research activity in recent years to reduce invasiveness, increase dexterity, provide additional features such as image guidance and haptic feedback, reduce size and cost, increase portability, and address specific clinical procedures. The area of robotic MIS is therefore in a state of rapid growth fueled by new developments in technologies such as continuum robotics, smart materials, sensing and actuation, and haptics and teleoperation. An important need arising from the incorporation of robotic technology for surgery is that of training in the appropriate use of the technology, and in the assessment of acquired skills. This volume covers the topics mentioned above in four sections. The first section gives an overview of the evolution and current state the da Vinci® system and clinical perspectives from three groups who use it on a regular basis. The second focuses on the research, and describes a number of new developments in surgical robotics that are likely to be the basis for the next generation of robotic MIS systems. The third deals with two important aspects of surgical robotic systems — teleoperation and haptics (the sense of touch). Technology for implementing the latter in a clinical setting is still very much at the research stage. The fourth section focuses on surgical training and skills assessment necessitated by the novelty and complexity of the technologies involved and the need to provide reliable and efficient training and objective assessment in the use of robotic MIS systems.In Volume 2, Micro and Nano Robotics in Medicine, a brief historical overview of the field of medical nanorobotics as well as the state-of-the-art in the field is presented in the introductory chapter. It covers the various types of nanorobotic systems, their applications and future directions in this field. The volume is divided into three themes related to medical applications. The first theme describes the main challenges of microrobotic design for propulsion in vascular media. Such nanoscale robotic agents are envisioned to revolutionize medicine by enabling minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. To be useful, nanorobots must be operated in complex biological fluids and tissues, which are often difficult to penetrate. In this section, a collection of four papers review the potential medical applications of motile nanorobots, catalytic-based propelling agents, biologically-inspired microrobots and nanoscale bacteria-enabled autonomous drug delivery systems. The second theme relates to the use of micro and nanorobots inside the body for drug-delivery and surgical applications. A collection of six chapters is presented in this segment. The first chapter reviews the different robot structures for three different types of surgery, namely laparoscopy, catheterization, and ophthalmic surgery. It highlights the progress of surgical microrobotics toward intracorporeally navigated mechanisms for ultra-minimally invasive interventions. Then, the design of different magnetic actuation platforms used in micro and nanorobotics are described. An overview of magnetic actuation-based control methods for microrobots, with eventually biomedical applications, is also covered in this segment. The third theme discusses the various nanomanipulation strategies that are currently used in biomedicine for cell characterization, injection, fusion and engineering. In-vitro (3D) cell culture has received increasing attention since it has been discovered to provide a better simulation environment of in-vivo cell growth. Nowadays, the rapid progress of robotic technology paves a new path for the highly controllable and flexible 3D cell assembly. One chapter in this segment discusses the applications of micro-nano robotic techniques for 3D cell culture using engineering approaches. Because cell fusion is important in numerous biological events and applications, such as tissue regeneration and cell reprogramming, a chapter on robotic-tweezers cell manipulation system to achieve precise laser-induced cell fusion using optical trapping has been included in this volume. Finally, the segment ends with a chapter on the use of novel MEMS-based characterization of micro-scale tissues instead of mechanical characterization for cell lines studies.Volume 3, Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions, focuses on several aspects ranging from understanding the challenges and opportunities in this domain, to imaging technologies, to image-guided robotic systems for clinical applications. The volume includes several contributions in the area of imaging in the areas of X-Ray fluoroscopy, CT, PET, MR Imaging, Ultrasound imaging, and optical coherence tomography. Ultrasound-based diagnostics and therapeutics as well as ultrasound-guided planning and navigation are also included in this volume in addition to multi-modal imaging techniques and its applications to surgery and various interventions. The application of multi-modal imaging and fusion in the area of prostate biopsy is also covered. Imaging modality compatible robotic systems, sensors and actuator technologies for use in the MRI environment are also included in this work., as is the development of the framework incorporating image-guided modeling for surgery and intervention. Finally, there are several chapters in the clinical applications domain covering cochlear implant surgery, neurosurgery, breast biopsy, prostate cancer treatment, endovascular interventions, neurovascular interventions, robotic capsule endoscopy, and MRI-guided neurosurgical procedures and interventions.Volume 4, Rehabilitation Robotics, is dedicated to the state-of-the-art of an emerging interdisciplinary field where robotics, sensors, and feedback are used in novel ways to relearn, improve, or restore functional movements in humans. This volume attempts to cover a number of topics relevant to the field. The first section addresses an important activity in our daily lives: walking, where the neuromuscular system orchestrates the gait, posture, and balance. Conditions such as stroke, vestibular deficits, or old age impair this important activity. Three chapters on robotic training, gait rehabilitation, and cooperative orthoses describe the current works in the field to address this issue. The second section covers the significant advances in and novel designs of soft actuators and wearable systems that have emerged in the area of prosthetic lower limbs and ankles in recent years, which offer potential for both rehabilitation and human augmentation. These are described in two chapters. The next section addresses an important emphasis in the field of medicine today that strives to bring rehabilitation out from the clinic into the home environment, so that these medical aids are more readily available to users. The current state-of-the-art in this field is described in a chapter. The last section focuses on rehab devices for the pediatric population. Their impairments are life-long and rehabilitation robotics can have an even bigger impact during their lifespan. In recent years, a number of new developments have been made to promote mobility, socialization, and rehabilitation among the very young: the infants and toddlers. These aspects are summarized in two chapters of this volume.


Book Synopsis Encyclopedia Of Medical Robotics, The (In 4 Volumes) by :

Download or read book Encyclopedia Of Medical Robotics, The (In 4 Volumes) written by and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2018-08-28 with total page 1555 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Encyclopedia of Medical Robotics combines contributions in four distinct areas of Medical robotics, namely: Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics, Micro and Nano Robotics in Medicine, Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions, and Rehabilitation Robotics. The volume on Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics focuses on robotic technologies geared towards challenges and opportunities in minimally invasive surgery and the research, design, implementation and clinical use of minimally invasive robotic systems. The volume on Micro and Nano robotics in Medicine is dedicated to research activities in an area of emerging interdisciplinary technology that is raising new scientific challenges and promising revolutionary advancement in applications such as medicine and biology. The size and range of these systems are at or below the micrometer scale and comprise assemblies of micro and nanoscale components. The volume on Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions focuses primarily on the use of image guidance during surgical procedures and the challenges posed by various imaging environments and how they related to the design and development of robotic systems as well as their clinical applications. This volume also has significant contributions from the clinical viewpoint on some of the challenges in the domain of image-guided interventions. Finally, the volume on Rehabilitation Robotics is dedicated to the state-of-the-art of an emerging interdisciplinary field where robotics, sensors, and feedback are used in novel ways to re-learn, improve, or restore functional movements in humans.Volume 1, Minimally Invasive Surgical Robotics, focuses on an area of robotic applications that was established in the late 1990s, after the first robotics-assisted minimally invasive surgical procedure. This area has since received significant attention from industry and researchers. The teleoperated and ergonomic features of these robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have been able to reduce or eliminate most of the drawbacks of conventional (laparoscopic) MIS. Robotics-assisted MIS procedures have been conducted on over 3 million patients to date — primarily in the areas of urology, gynecology and general surgery using the FDA approved da Vinci® surgical system. The significant commercial and clinical success of the da Vinci® system has resulted in substantial research activity in recent years to reduce invasiveness, increase dexterity, provide additional features such as image guidance and haptic feedback, reduce size and cost, increase portability, and address specific clinical procedures. The area of robotic MIS is therefore in a state of rapid growth fueled by new developments in technologies such as continuum robotics, smart materials, sensing and actuation, and haptics and teleoperation. An important need arising from the incorporation of robotic technology for surgery is that of training in the appropriate use of the technology, and in the assessment of acquired skills. This volume covers the topics mentioned above in four sections. The first section gives an overview of the evolution and current state the da Vinci® system and clinical perspectives from three groups who use it on a regular basis. The second focuses on the research, and describes a number of new developments in surgical robotics that are likely to be the basis for the next generation of robotic MIS systems. The third deals with two important aspects of surgical robotic systems — teleoperation and haptics (the sense of touch). Technology for implementing the latter in a clinical setting is still very much at the research stage. The fourth section focuses on surgical training and skills assessment necessitated by the novelty and complexity of the technologies involved and the need to provide reliable and efficient training and objective assessment in the use of robotic MIS systems.In Volume 2, Micro and Nano Robotics in Medicine, a brief historical overview of the field of medical nanorobotics as well as the state-of-the-art in the field is presented in the introductory chapter. It covers the various types of nanorobotic systems, their applications and future directions in this field. The volume is divided into three themes related to medical applications. The first theme describes the main challenges of microrobotic design for propulsion in vascular media. Such nanoscale robotic agents are envisioned to revolutionize medicine by enabling minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. To be useful, nanorobots must be operated in complex biological fluids and tissues, which are often difficult to penetrate. In this section, a collection of four papers review the potential medical applications of motile nanorobots, catalytic-based propelling agents, biologically-inspired microrobots and nanoscale bacteria-enabled autonomous drug delivery systems. The second theme relates to the use of micro and nanorobots inside the body for drug-delivery and surgical applications. A collection of six chapters is presented in this segment. The first chapter reviews the different robot structures for three different types of surgery, namely laparoscopy, catheterization, and ophthalmic surgery. It highlights the progress of surgical microrobotics toward intracorporeally navigated mechanisms for ultra-minimally invasive interventions. Then, the design of different magnetic actuation platforms used in micro and nanorobotics are described. An overview of magnetic actuation-based control methods for microrobots, with eventually biomedical applications, is also covered in this segment. The third theme discusses the various nanomanipulation strategies that are currently used in biomedicine for cell characterization, injection, fusion and engineering. In-vitro (3D) cell culture has received increasing attention since it has been discovered to provide a better simulation environment of in-vivo cell growth. Nowadays, the rapid progress of robotic technology paves a new path for the highly controllable and flexible 3D cell assembly. One chapter in this segment discusses the applications of micro-nano robotic techniques for 3D cell culture using engineering approaches. Because cell fusion is important in numerous biological events and applications, such as tissue regeneration and cell reprogramming, a chapter on robotic-tweezers cell manipulation system to achieve precise laser-induced cell fusion using optical trapping has been included in this volume. Finally, the segment ends with a chapter on the use of novel MEMS-based characterization of micro-scale tissues instead of mechanical characterization for cell lines studies.Volume 3, Image-guided Surgical Procedures and Interventions, focuses on several aspects ranging from understanding the challenges and opportunities in this domain, to imaging technologies, to image-guided robotic systems for clinical applications. The volume includes several contributions in the area of imaging in the areas of X-Ray fluoroscopy, CT, PET, MR Imaging, Ultrasound imaging, and optical coherence tomography. Ultrasound-based diagnostics and therapeutics as well as ultrasound-guided planning and navigation are also included in this volume in addition to multi-modal imaging techniques and its applications to surgery and various interventions. The application of multi-modal imaging and fusion in the area of prostate biopsy is also covered. Imaging modality compatible robotic systems, sensors and actuator technologies for use in the MRI environment are also included in this work., as is the development of the framework incorporating image-guided modeling for surgery and intervention. Finally, there are several chapters in the clinical applications domain covering cochlear implant surgery, neurosurgery, breast biopsy, prostate cancer treatment, endovascular interventions, neurovascular interventions, robotic capsule endoscopy, and MRI-guided neurosurgical procedures and interventions.Volume 4, Rehabilitation Robotics, is dedicated to the state-of-the-art of an emerging interdisciplinary field where robotics, sensors, and feedback are used in novel ways to relearn, improve, or restore functional movements in humans. This volume attempts to cover a number of topics relevant to the field. The first section addresses an important activity in our daily lives: walking, where the neuromuscular system orchestrates the gait, posture, and balance. Conditions such as stroke, vestibular deficits, or old age impair this important activity. Three chapters on robotic training, gait rehabilitation, and cooperative orthoses describe the current works in the field to address this issue. The second section covers the significant advances in and novel designs of soft actuators and wearable systems that have emerged in the area of prosthetic lower limbs and ankles in recent years, which offer potential for both rehabilitation and human augmentation. These are described in two chapters. The next section addresses an important emphasis in the field of medicine today that strives to bring rehabilitation out from the clinic into the home environment, so that these medical aids are more readily available to users. The current state-of-the-art in this field is described in a chapter. The last section focuses on rehab devices for the pediatric population. Their impairments are life-long and rehabilitation robotics can have an even bigger impact during their lifespan. In recent years, a number of new developments have been made to promote mobility, socialization, and rehabilitation among the very young: the infants and toddlers. These aspects are summarized in two chapters of this volume.