Engineering news
Miniaturised surgical tools with integrated microwave energy for highly targeted procedures have clinched a finalist spot in a prestigious engineering award for a UK company.
Creo Medical is one of three companies in the running for this year’s MacRobert Award. The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) announced the finalists today (7 June), ahead of the prize being awarded next month.
“This year’s three finalists are pioneering engineering innovations developed in the UK, with the potential to deliver significant healthcare and lifestyle benefits,” an RAEng announcement said. “Each of these ground-breaking developments reflect the UK’s global leadership in engineering innovation, and promise to unlock widespread societal and environmental benefits.”
The details of the three finalists are:
- Creo Medical for developing advanced miniaturised surgical tools that uniquely integrate radio frequency and high frequency microwave energy for highly targeted, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. The RAEng said the technology can ‘dramatically improve’ patient outcomes for cancer care while minimising the need for conventional surgical interventions, moving treatment out of the operating room. “The tools promise to transform clinical outcomes for patients, reducing recovery times and avoiding the risks of open surgery,” the academy said. The technology enables cost savings of up to £10,000 per procedure in NHS hospitals, a 50% saving on traditional surgery.
- DNANudge for pioneering genetic testing technology that could enable consumers to shop more healthily, ‘nudged’ by their genetic information. Following a cheek swab, DNANudge’s NudgeBox analyser maps the user’s genetic profile to key nutrition-related health traits such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. Customers can then use their wearable DNABand and mobile app to scan products while they shop, being ‘guided by their DNA’ towards healthier choices. The technology has also been adapted into a 90-minute lab-free test for Covid-19, and is in use in NHS hospitals, care homes, and supporting the return of the arts sector.
- Pragmatic Semiconductor for its electronic engineering innovation that takes the silicon out of silicon chips, resulting in ultra-low-cost thin and flexible integrated circuits. These can be embedded in everyday objects, from food and drink packaging to medicine, enabling Internet of Things (IoT) functionality and applications within the circular economy and digital healthcare. The technology reduces manufacturing cycle time from months to less than a day, allowing agile ‘just in time’ production of microchips, helping avoid the risks and waste of global supply chains. The Pragmatic approach also reportedly reduces carbon and water footprints by more than 100-fold.
Previous engineering innovations to clinch the award include the CT scanner in 1972, the world’s first bionic hand in 2008 and the Rasbperry Pi computer in 2017.
Judging panel chairman Sir Richard Friend said: “The UK is a global leader in engineering and technology, as evidenced by its proactive role in tackling the pandemic, from ventilators to vaccine production. After such a year it is no surprise to find medical engineering strongly represented across the finalists for this year’s MacRobert Award for engineering innovation.
“As we look to build back better for the future, the inspiring achievements of our finalists offer the potential for all of us to have more control over our health and lifestyle. These three companies represent the very best of engineering innovation, offering new ways to apply leading edge technologies in our daily lives.”
MacRobert Award winners are chosen by an expert panel of academy fellows. The winner will be announced in July, with a £50,000 cash prize and a MacRobert Award gold medal.
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