Stage Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics

SLAM Ortho has developed a technique that helps surgeons to measure the required screw length when placing screws in bones. Currently, after drilling, surgeons measure the depth of the hole manually with a hook with a ruler on it. This uses expensive OR time, is considered annoying by surgeons because the borehole is often in a difficult position and leads to the wrong screw length being inserted.

During drilling, the sensor technology of SLAM Ortho measures the forces enacted on the drill by the surgeon. The sensor sends this data to an algorithm that shows the surgeon the required screw length. This force sensing is important because a high accuracy measurement helps determining when the drill was in bone or in soft tissue.

The purpose of this assignment is work on further developing the sensing technology. Based on your personal profile, topics that can be discussed are:

• Creating and realizing mechanical designs to sense the different forces
• Writing software to process the incoming signals
• Designing a casing for the system so it withstands the harsh environments it is used in
• Create test setup for systems simulating hospital environments
• Doing tests with doctors in the hospital

We are a startup with a diverse and ambitious team with experience in the medical field, engineering (Mechanical and Electrical) and data analysis. As a student you will be part of the team and intensively supported. You will also work in our office at YES! Delft, one of the leading tech incubators in Europe.