3D modeling tools are specialized software used to create and manipulate three-dimensional digital objects by representing them mathematically using points (vertices), lines (edges), and surfaces (faces).
Example: 3D modeling tools like SolidWorks are used to design prosthetic devices.
en: Outils de modélisation 3D
3D printers
noun
A machine allowing the creation of a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession.
Example: 3D printers are used to create lightweight prosthetic prototypes.
en: Imprimantes 3D
3D scanners
noun
A 3D scanner is a non-contact device that uses light or lasers to capture the precise geometric data and shape of an object, creating a detailed digital 3D model.
Example: 3D scanners captured the exact shape of the patient's leg for a custom orthosis.
en: scanners 3D
Biomechanical modeling software
noun
Biomechanical modeling software consists of computer programs and systems that create mathematical and computational representations of biological systems to analyze the mechanical functions of living organisms.
Example: OpenSim is a biomechanical modeling software used to stimule muscle forces.
en: Logiciel de modélisation biomécanique
Carbon fiber sheets
noun
Carbon fiber sheets are composite materials made from layers of carbon fiber fabric, which is a collection of fine, twisted carbon fibers, bonded together with a resin matrix, typically an epoxy.
Example: Carbon fiber sheets were used to make the prosthesis lightweight and strong.
en: Feuilles de fibre de carbone
Ergonomic mannequins
noun
Ergonomic mannequins are digital or physical representations of the human body used in ergonomics to analyze and design workspaces, products, and systems to be comfortable, safe, and efficient for humans.
Example: Ergonomic mannequins were used to test the comfort of medical devices.
en: Mannequins ergonomiques
Gait simulators
noun
A gait simulator is a device or computer model that mimics human walking (gait) to test biomechanical principles or the performance of prosthetic devices.
Example: The gait simulator reproduced walking cycles for testing prosthetic legs.
en: Simulateurs de marche
Gyroscopes
noun
Gyroscopes are used to measure and maintain orientation and rotational motion, serving critical functions in navigation and stabilization for aircraft, ships, spacecraft, and even cars. They also provide orientation for smartphones, AR/VR headsets, drones, cameras, and robots, enabling features like screen rotation, motion-controlled gaming, and stable image capture.
Example: The gyroscopes detected the rotation of the torso during walking.
en: Gyroscopes
Haptic feedback devices
noun
Haptic feedback devices simulate the sense of touch by producing vibrations, movements, or other tactile sensations in response to digital interactions, enhancing realism and user experience in various applications like gaming, smartphones, and virtual reality.
Example: Haptic feedback devices allowed patients to feel touch through a prosthesis.
en: Dispositifs de retour haptique
High-performance computers
noun
High-performance computers (HPCs), or High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, are powerful, custom-built computers, often in the form of supercomputers or interconnected clusters of computers, designed to process massive amounts of data and solve complex computational problems at extremely high speeds, far exceeding the capabilities of a typical workstation or desktop computer.
Example: High-performance computers are required for biomechanical simulations.
en: Ordinateurs hautes performances
Instrumented shoes
noun
Instrumented shoes are wearable devices, often incorporating smart insoles, that use embedded electronic sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and pressure sensors to measure various metrics during movement.
Example: The instrumented shoes monitored pressure during running.
en: Chaussures instrumentées
Intramuscular electrodes
noun
Intramuscular electrodes are conductive devices, such as needles or wires, that are inserted into a muscle to both record electrical activity (electromyography) and deliver electrical stimulation to activate muscle fibers.
Example: Intramuscular electrodes provided precise recordings of muscle activity.
en: Électrodes intramusculaires
Posture sensors
noun
Posture sensors are wearable electronic devices that use motion-tracking technology, like accelerometers and gyroscopes, to monitor a person's body alignment and spinal position in real-time.
Example: Posture sensors helped the therapist correct spinal alignment.
en: Capteurs de posture
Robotic exoskeletons
noun
A robotic exoskeleton is a wearable, external mechanical suit that works with the human body to assist, restore, or augment movement by providing powered support.
Example: Robotic exoskeletons help patients with spinal injuries walk again.
en: Exosquelettes robotisés
Smartwatches / sport watches
noun
A smartwatch is a wearable computer that resembles a traditional watch but offers smartphone-like features, including app support, communication, and health and fitness tracking, acting as a wearable extension of a mobile phone or a standalone device. Sport watches are a subset of smartwatches or dedicated devices that prioritize fitness and activity tracking, featuring sensors for heart rate, steps, sleep, and often GPS for routes, though they may offer fewer general smartwatch features.
Example: Sweat and biomarker sensors detected dehydration levels in athletes.
