Technologies for Care
Innovative technologies can make healthcare services more accessible and personalized, contributing to the creation of patient-centered healthcare that emphasizes proximity, continuous support, and improved quality of life for both the elderly and future generations. We explore this topic with Prof. Filippo Cavallo, Professor of Biomedical Robotics at the University of Florence and leader of Spoke 3 of THE – Tuscany Health Ecosystem.
Innovative technologies for the healthcare of the future. In Spoke 3 of THE, we develop innovative tools to enhance the healthcare system, covering all stages of the care journey: prevention, diagnosis, therapy, therapeutic support, and rehabilitation.
- Telemedicine and wearable sensors:
Development of smart sensor kits to monitor and support patients with neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementias).
These tools enable continuous monitoring both in hospitals and at home, promoting the concept of a “distributed hospital” and enhancing personalized care. - Digitized diagnosis and therapy:
Clinical protocols are applied and monitored remotely, ensuring continuity between the hospital, the community, and the patient’s home.
Technologies for children and learning in schools. We are collaborating with schools to study the mechanisms of learning and attention during lessons, with particular focus on children with cognitive difficulties.
- Social robotics: Use of humanoid robots (e.g., Nao) to create empathy with children and support the study of attention and stress during school activities.
- Physiological sensors: To monitor parameters such as stress and improve teaching techniques.
3D printing technologies for personalized interventions. We are utilizing 3D printing technologies to customize interventions.
- Prosthetics for bone surgery in cancer cases: in cases of bone cancer, 3D printing allows the design of customized prosthetic components to replace the resected portion. These techniques assist surgeons in planning the surgical procedure and compensating for removed parts, with special attention to interventions involving children.
- Customized orthodontic appliances for children: In the dental field, 3D printing makes it possible to create tailor-made dental aligners to treat malformations or malocclusions of dental arches in children. These aligners, customized for the patient’s face, can also be integrated with sensors to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment over time.
