Impact case study database

The mechatronics and robotics research has resulted in benefits in two main applications:

Medical devices improve patient treatment and outcomes

Conditions such as leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and lymphoedema are traditionally treated by compression therapy; four layers of elastic compression bandaging tightly wrapped around the affected area. These can be uncomfortable and must be applied by trained medical staff once or twice weekly to ensure the required levels of pressure. Leg ulcer treatment costs the NHS over GBP400,000,000 per year, with 1.5% of the elderly population affected [A] . The costs for treating venous insufficiency, which may follow DVT, are even greater with approximately 2.24% of the UK population suffering from this condition at any given time (1,500,000 people) [A].

In response to these challenges, the Scan2Knit system (developed between 2001-2005) produces made-to-measure compression stockings that can be pulled on and off like conventional stockings [1-4]. In 2004, with the support of UMIP (UoM service to support the commercialisation of research, now University of Manchester Innovation Factory), the Scan2Knit system was licensed commercially to Advanced Therapeutic Materials (ATM) Ltd. ATM started commercial production of compression garments (under the registered trademark Isobar Compression garments) for the medical and sports industries [B]. [Text removed for publication].

The garment is engineered to the exact profile of an individual patient’s limb, with a pressure profile specific to the patient’s clinical needs [C]. Alternative compression methods are unable to achieve this specificity. As confirmed by Isobar’s Chief Medical Advisor:

““Now, for the first time, we are able to deliver the precise pressures needed for each indication, whether increasing performance and recovery for elite athletes, DVT prevention, or treating lymphoedema and leg ulcers. This is something that cannot be achieved by any existing compression stocking or bandaging system.”[D].

[Text removed for publication].

Whereas traditional ulcer bandage treatments must be changed twice a week, accounting for at least 1 hour per week of clinical time, Isobar Compression garments can be changed less frequently, due to the custom pressure profile [B]. Based on the bandage costs alone, it is estimated the Isobar treatments are cost effective within 12 weeks of treatment [E]. [Text removed for publication].

Further, as a Leg Ulcer Specialist Nurse at the Wythenshawe Hospital has confirmed, “ Using the Isobar hosiery [they] have empowered many patients to self-manage their ulcer care” [E]. Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester started using the Isobar Compression garments in February 2017. Between then and July 2020, over 250 patients have been scanned for the treatment [E].

Isobar compression garments also produce sports specific products to enhance performance and, prevent DVT. Professional athletes including Olympic gold medal triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Ultra-endurance specialist Jasmijn Muller and Team GB bobsleigh athlete Bruce Tasker endorse the Isobar compression garment [D]. Likewise, the Lead Physiologist for British Cycling and English Institute of Sport states:

“From an applied sports science perspective, there are two main pro’s (sic) of the Isobar garment. The 3D scan guarantees a perfect fit and the garment provides an effective level of compression to reduce venous transit time and reduce leg volume” [D].

Enabling innovation in the Advanced Composites industry

Between 2016 and 2018 the 9-axis robotic winding device [5, 6] was transferred to Cygnet Texkimp through the InnovateUK funded KTP programme [F]. Cygnet Texkimp provides specialist knowledge and bespoke machinery for the global technical fibre and fabric, paper, plastic, foil and film processing markets, with more than 95% of sales resulting from international export to over 30 countries globally. As a result of the KTP, Cygnet Texkimp developed a robot-assisted multi-axis filament winding machine, capable of quickly, robustly and continuously winding carbon fibre composite structures. At the time Cygnet Texkimp were not aware of any commercially available product that offered this combination of complexity, accuracy and speed [G] . This 3D winder technology, earned the company the UK Composites Innovation of the Year Award (2017) [G].

The KTP between UoM and Cygnet Texkimp increased the company’s product portfolio by expanding their knowledge of dry fibre placement systems. Specifically, Cygnet Texkimp have attributed the following to the 3D Winder device that resulted from the UoM research [H]:

• The filament winding device has provided income to date of approximately GBP1,000,000;

• Since 2016, annual exports have grown by approximately GBP250,000 per year;

• Cygnet Texkimp employed the UoM KTP associate directly following the end of the KTP, showing the value they place on the knowledge, skills, and in-house R&D stimulated from this research;

• Cygnet Texkimp secured new clients and contracts that have either directly resulted from the filament winding, or more generally from being able to demonstrate this equipment in action.

Indirectly, Cygnet Texkimp have also attributed further benefits from the original research into the 9-axis robotic device [5,6]. Cygnet Texkimp have confirmed that as a result of expanding their product range, they have been able “ to tender for new business that [they] previously were not equipped to supply”, which has also increased the resilience of the company to market fluctuations; “ due to the increase in product streams [Cygnet Texkimp] have been more robust during some challenging periods” [H]. The machinery demonstrated their ability to tackle bespoke equipment challenges, and also provides a useful sales tool. Cygnet Texkimp have said, “ we would not have been able to complete this work alone, nor have a leading global-market edge, if it were not for the initial transfer of research from the University of Manchester.” [H].