Biofact - Biomanufacturing-platform
In the field of orthoses and prostheses, products suggested on a daily basis to patients suffering of paralysis or having had a limb amputated, little progress has been made despite the significant technological developments in the manufacturing industry and industrial robotics.
However, the development of neurophysiological knowledge and micro-electronic and IT technologies should allow for a better use of the biological signals available in a non-invasive manner such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) to supplement the deficient motor commands of the handicapped.
Researchers around the world agree on the idea that this century will be the one that will integrate human cerebral capacities with devices made from new materials.
Biomanufacturing - the production by added manufacturing of biocompatible pieces, regroups four fields of application: medical devices, orthoses and prostheses, tissue engineering, and decision supporting anatomical models. Although the last sector is already well represented, the latest EBM (Electron Beam Melting) developments open new perspectives for the direct manufacturing of biocompatible titanium and stainless steel parts.
Today, there is still no tool for the digital simulation of the EBM process. Its development in the MORFEO digital simulation platform will help enrich it with an essential link of the chain in the digital manufacturing of innovative products.
As biomanufacturing R&D projects multiply throughout Europe, it is time to realise results in the form of services offered to businesses active in the sector. The realisation of this biomanufacturing platform in Hainaut will to help meet this growing demand from businesses.