Medical and Healthcare

Interface is a trusted leader in providing sensor technologies to the medical and healthcare industry. Interface provides test and measurement solutions for research, medical device testing, equipment monitoring and for use in components. When safety matters, Interface provides the quality and accuracy the medical and health industry demands.

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medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications

Medical and Healthcare Overview

Medical device and health care product engineers and manufacturers turn to Interface because our measurement solutions are designed for precision test and measurement applications, in both quality and reliability. There is also a high demand for Interface’s ability to customize solutions to meet the exact requirements of these sensitive medical and healthcare applications.

Medical device manufacturers need to meet and be accredited before test equipment is approved for use. The medical devices being tested also must pass strict inspections and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations in the US before meeting the requirements necessary to bring a product, device, implant, or machine to market.

Interface offers various miniature beam and in-line load cell solutions with 10x overload protection to protect patients and devices against accidental shock loads. Our torque transducers provide rotary and reactive measurement to accurately track light movements required to control prosthetic fatigue testing, surgical equipment, knee or hip replacement, and other medical devices. Other Interface solutions include multi-axis sensors for multiple channels of measurement in one housing when you require measurements for two, three or six axis points.

Medical + Healthcare Applications:

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Read more about healthcare and medical applications in our case study: Interface Ensures Premium Accuracy and Reliability for Medical Applications

Pharmaceuticals

Furthering Advancements in Pharmaceuticals

In the medical and healthcare industries, the significance of precision and dependability grows immensely when lives are at stake. Medical devices and healthcare products, which rank among the most intricate and fragile technologies globally, must adhere to strict regulations and certification standards to ensure compliance. This begins at early R&D and testing, through production and distribution.

Throughout a pharmaceutical product’s life cycle, specialized equipment and sensor technologies are used by manufacturers, in both design and maintenance to provide unmistakable evidence of process quality and safety. Medical and health care product manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies, turn to Interface because our high accuracy force measurement solutions are designed for reliable performance test and measurement projects. There is also tremendous demand for Interface’s ability to customize solutions that meet the exact measurement requirements of these sensitive applications.

Common Interface Products Used by Pharmaceutical Companies

Interface provides force measurement solutions for a wide variety of products and machines that help biotechnology and pharmaceutical product engineers to design, test and manufacture devices of all shapes and sizes. When it comes to equipment used in the manufacturing of medicine, Interface products are used to optimize production and reduce waste.

Pharmaceutical Solutions Using Interface Load Cells

Weighing and Distribution: Load cells are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities for accurately measuring and dispensing ingredients during the formulation process. They ensure precise measurements of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients, which is crucial for maintaining the quality and efficacy of the final product.

Tablet Hardness Testing: Tablet hardness is an important characteristic as it influences factors like disintegration, dissolution, and overall drug delivery effectiveness. Load cells are used in tablet hardness testers to precisely quantify the force required to break or fracture a tablet.

Tablet Forming Machine Optimization: These machines need to be finely tuned to ensure consistent tablet quality, weight, and other critical attributes. Load cells play a vital role in this optimization process by providing real-time force and weight measurements during tablet compression.

Capsule Filling Machines: Load cells are used in capsule filling machines to measure the weight of the powdered or granulated material being filled into each capsule. This ensures that each capsule contains the correct amount of medication, contributing to accurate dosing.

Quality Control: Load cells are used in quality control processes to verify the weight and consistency of the final pharmaceutical products. This helps ensure that products meet regulatory standards and maintain consistent quality.

Mixing: In the pharmaceutical industry, proper mixing and blending of ingredients are critical to achieving uniformity in formulations. Load cells are used in mixing equipment to monitor the force exerted on the mixture, ensuring that ingredients are thoroughly and uniformly blended.

Packaging and Filling: Load cells are employed in packaging and filling processes to accurately measure the weight of the product being filled into containers such as bottles, vials, and blister packs. This helps prevent underfilling or overfilling of products, ensuring proper dosing for patients.

Bioreactors and Fermenters: In the production of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, load cells are used in bioreactors and fermenters to monitor the weight of the culture medium and cells. This information is crucial for controlling and optimizing the growth conditions of microorganisms or cells used in the production process.

When it comes to product development in the United States, both medical devices and pharmaceuticals are required to not only adhere to stringent FDA regulations, but they must also be proven to safe and effective to doctors and patients. Similarly, these essential safety testing prerequisites are universally standard in most developed nations when seeking pre-release approvals.

Consult with our application engineers to see what type of products will meet your stringent requirements.

Pharmaceuticals_InfographicPoster

Medical Devices

The medical industry is complex and diversified across many sectors from devices to hospitals, pharmaceuticals to therapy equipment. The medical device sector is one of the largest in medical device and healthcare, estimated at $500B in value globally and growing.

Interface understands the intricacies and dependencies of precision measurements for use in medical devices. Our products are used in life sustaining and saving equipment, across various classifications to measure force, weight, torque, and other critical parameters.

The dependence on accuracy and reliability increases tenfold in the med device world. Any design flaws or failures could present serious health risks or worse. Interface has been a trusted partner to medical OEMs and healthcare technology providers around the world for decades. Our strain gage sensors meet the demands of the medical device industry, as quality and precision are inherently designed and engineered into every transducer and instrument we build.

Medical Devices and Equipment Using Interface Measurement Solutions

From initial R&D, through design and prototyping, Interface products have a role. When testing any product used for medical purposes, there are many stringent standards and regulations defining the entire process. The quality, accuracy and durability of any testing sensor technology must withstand the rigorous protocols defined by the industry, product, manufacturer, and ultimate user.

Types of Interface Products Used for Medical Device Testing

Miniature Beam Load Cells
S-Type Load Cells
Load Washers
Micro Load Cells
Multi-Axis Sensors
Torque Transducers
LowProfile Load Cells
Custom Designs for Manufacturers
Stainless Steel, Overload Protected and Sealed Sensors

Contact our experienced medical device sensor experts to help select the right solution for your testing projects and devices.

MedicalDevices_InfographicPoster

In-Home Healthcare

In-home healthcare involves providing medical and support services to individuals outside a medical facility. Medical industry innovations, including wearable devices, remote monitoring devices, pharmaceutical management tools, and therapy equipment, are driving the adoption of sensor-enablement technologies.

Interface’s load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors were designed to test medical devices and equipment used for in-home care, ensuring the efficacy and safety of this equipment before it reaches consumers. Our Mini Load Cells, including our WMC, S-Types, SSMs, and LBM models, are frequently used by healthcare device manufacturers due to their simple incorporation into existing and new products.

Interface sensor technologies are used for various medical devices in homes and care facilities, including lifts, beds, fluid management, and rehabilitation equipment. These products require extremely accurate measurements before they are approved for use. Interface knows the demands of providing reliable, quality, and durable solutions to meet these requirements.

Implementing Interface’s load cells in device design, R&D, and testing enhances precision, safety, and quality in developing in-home healthcare devices.

Interface Supports In-Home Health Care Applications

In-home healthcare devices are used for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or those with disabilities who require assistance with daily activities.

Interface force measurement solutions are helping to improve patients’ home care and well-being. Interface continues to provide the medical industry with the most accurate and reliable force measurement products for research and development, at-home equipment testing, and embedding sensors for continuous measurement.

Interface engineers provide standard, custom, and OEM sensor products for testing and easy integration into in-home medical devices and equipment. Consult with our application engineers to find the right solution for your in-home healthcare product requirements.

InHomeHealthcare_Infographic

Rehabilitation Equipment

The medical industry turns to Interface for force measurement solutions for medical device and healthcare product design, development, and testing. This is especially true for rehabilitation equipment used in clinics, hospitals, nursing and home health care facilities, and sports treatment centers.

Rehabilitation encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, aiming to restore function and improve the quality of life for individuals facing physical or cognitive impairments. Interface load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and instrumentation provide highly accurate data that optimize or validate rehabilitation equipment for patient use.

Significant growth is occurring in the design, testing, and building of rehabilitation equipment, fueled by an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and technological advancements in rehabilitation devices. Interface provides various sensor options for research, development, manufacturing, and performance monitoring, from miniature load cells to advanced multi-axis sensors.

The demand for home-based rehabilitation devices is also increasing rapidly. This trend is driven by patient preference, cost-effectiveness, and advancements in telehealth technologies. Many of these devices rely heavily on sensors to monitor patient progress, provide feedback, and ensure safety, which aligns well with Interface’s expertise in sensor solutions.

In rehabilitation, Interface’s load cells are embedded within exercise equipment and wearable devices to measure the force exerted by a patient during therapy. Therapists can use the Interface wireless instrumentation to monitor and record patient progress. They can track improvements in muscle strength and movement patterns across different exercises and activities while measuring performance using sensor technologies.

Rehabilitation Equipment and Device Use Cases for Interface Solutions

Prosthetics and Orthotics Research
Prosthetic Design and Fit Analysis
Gait Analysis
Rehabilitation Robotics
Exoskeleton Feedback
Robotic Arms and Hands
Physical Therapy Equipment Design
Instrumented Treadmills
Muscle Strengthening Equipment Tests
Balance Platforms
Assistive Device Design and Testing
Wheelchairs
Rehabilitation Wearable Device Monitoring
Research and Development

Interface sensor technologies are used in equipment to treat various conditions ranging from neurological events like stroke and traumatic brain injury, where patients require assistance regaining motor skills, balance, and coordination, to musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures and sprains, where the focus is on restoring strength, mobility, and range of motion.

Application: Treadmill Rehabilitation

Interface-designed force sensors are used in rehabilitation treadmills for patients with pelvic mobility difficulties. For example, patients who have had strokes tend to have trouble walking. The goal is to measure the forces applied on the pelvis when the patient walks on the treadmill and catch any pelvic deviations. The treadmill had a special harness with two actuators on either side of the patient. Interface suggests installing two WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cells on the actuators to measure the forces applied to the patient’s pelvis. The SI-USB4 4-Channel USB Interface Module graphs and logs the results using supplied VS3 software. Using this solution, the rehabilitation equipment maker has a solution to catch different pelvic deviations in their experimental rehabilitation treadmill using Interface’s products.

By integrating advanced sensor technologies like those offered by Interface, you can create devices that are more effective, safer, and more personalized. Force measurement solutions, for example, can provide valuable data for gait analysis, prosthetic fitting, and robotic exoskeleton control, enabling precise monitoring and optimization of treatment. Similarly, torque sensors can enhance the functionality of isokinetic dynamometers and rehabilitation robots, facilitating accurate measurement of strength, endurance, and range of motion. By embracing these technologies, manufacturers can differentiate their products, improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in the rapidly evolving field of rehabilitation.

Emotional Support Robots

Emotional Support Robots (ESRs) are an emerging segment within the field of robotics. These machines are designed for companionship, emotional interaction, and psychological support.

ESRs are increasingly found in elder care facilities, hospitals, educational settings, and private residences. Their primary purpose is to provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and promote mental wellness by engaging users through touch, speech, and motion.

How Interface Sensor Technologies Support Advancements in ESRs

Interface’s precision force measurement technologies are utilized throughout the design, structural engineering, testing and functionality monitoring of emotional support robots.

Interface provides measurement technologies, when integrated into the robot, enable ESRs to sense touch, grip, motion, and physical feedback in real-time. These sensors are integral to touch sensitivity and human interaction, safe physical feedback and actuator and limb controls.

For example, miniature load cells and multi-axis sensors are embedded in the robot’s hands, torsos, or any part that manages sensory responses. These sensors allow the robot to detect human touch. This tactile feedback is essential in making the robot’s reactions feel natural and emotionally intelligent.

Types of Emotional Support Robots

Companion robots for seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments
Therapeutic robots for adults and children with autism or mental health support needs.
Interactive AI pets and humanoid robots for reducing loneliness and depression.
Hospital-based ESRs to alleviate stress in long-term care or pediatric patients.

Interface integrated sensors are primarily used to ensure the safety of physical interactions. Force-sensitive components regulate the pressure a robot applies when engaging with users, particularly vulnerable individuals like the elderly, children, or those with cognitive impairments. These sensors monitor contact force in real time, preventing the robot from exerting too much pressure and thereby protecting users from accidental harm.

Interface is a trusted partner in this sector because of its commitment to engineering sensors that meet the unique demands of human-centric robotics. Interface sensors are designed to perform reliably in applications where both safety and sensitivity are paramount.

As ESRs continue to evolve, the need for lifelike interaction will only grow. Interface’s sensor technology empowers these machines to understand and respond to human presence in a way that is both safe and emotionally meaningful.

Prosthetics

The global prosthetics and orthotics market is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach US$12.6B by 2033. This expansion is fueled by technological advancements, an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a strong focus on enhancing patient mobility and well-being.

Innovations such as 3D printing, AI-driven prosthetics, and neural interfaces are revolutionizing the field, enabling customized devices that improve the fit and functionality. While orthotics currently hold a larger market share, prosthetics are the faster-growing segment due to rapid technological innovations, including myoelectric limbs and advanced sensory feedback systems.

How Sensor Tech is Used in Prosthetics

Interface sensor technologies are pivotal in developing, designing, and testing modern prosthetics, enabling a more natural and intuitive user experience. By capturing biological signals and mechanical forces, they provide crucial feedback for interpreting user intent and offering immediate data on pressure, touch, temperature, and limb position. This real-time information enhances prosthetic proprioception and dexterity, allowing devices to adjust to user movement and environmental conditions dynamically. Furthermore, sensor data aids therapists in refining movements, informs device improvements, and facilitates remote monitoring of rehabilitation progress.

Test and Measurement Applications in Prosthetics

Grip force control
Gait analysis and optimization
Balance and stability enhancement
Socket pressure monitoring
Tactile feedback for object manipulation
Proprioceptive feedback for limb position awareness
Myoelectric control of prosthetic limbs
Material Testing
Adaptive limb adjustments
Biomechanics research and analysis
Predictive maintenance of prosthetic components
Customized prosthetic design validation

Interface Products for Design, Test, and Use of Prosthetics

Interface specializes in high-precision force measurement solutions, making them highly relevant for integration into advanced testing of prosthetic systems. Interface’s miniature load cells, universal low profiles, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors are well-suited for testing and integrating prosthetic devices, particularly in meeting the requirements for varying measurement capacity, accuracy, durability, and compact size. Interface products used in prosthetic applications include:

Mini Load Cells
Load Button Load Cells
S-Type Load Cells
LowProfile Load Cells
Multi-Axis Load Cells
Torque Transducers
Wireless Telemetry Systems for Load Cells
Instrumentation and Amplifiers for Sensor Data
Data Acquisition Systems

Interface’s precision force and torque sensors are crucial for advancing prosthetic technology across various applications. Our miniature load cells enhance lower limb prosthetics through real-time gait analysis, while micro force sensors in upper limb devices improve dexterity with precise grip feedback.

Interface sensors are also essential for monitoring prosthetic socket fit and comfort, preventing tissue damage with accurate pressure mapping. Additionally, our torque transducers facilitate smooth, natural movements in robotic prosthetic joints. In research and development, high-accuracy Interface load cells are vital for biomechanical analysis and validating new prosthetic designs, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.

Interface excels in providing products that support the prosthetic medical sector’s growth, advancement, and customization. The extensive range of applications in prosthetic R&D, testing, and feedback is perfect for Interface’s highly accurate, reliable force and torque measurement solutions.

Additional Resources

Products Request a Quote Interface Product Guides

Medical and Healthcare Solutions from the IQ Blog

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

April 19, 2022/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Electro-mechanical and software advancements in the medical device and healthcare industry have made all kinds of surgical robotics a reality. Manufacturers and design engineers of these robots come to Interface during the stages of research and development, product engineering and […]

Spotlighting Medical Device and Healthcare Solutions

January 11, 2022/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

In medical technology design, engineering and manufacturing, accuracy is everything. Not only are standards and regulations for product quality extremely high in the medical industry, the safety and wellbeing of patients and users depends on it. Interface continues to provide […]

Where to Find 50 New Force Measurement Application Notes

December 22, 2021/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

One of the advantages we have at Interface is that our application engineers and solutions experts are constantly recommending Interface load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation and accessories for a wide range of projects and programs. In this fortunate position, it […]

New Interface White Paper Highlights Turning an Active Component into a Sensor

September 27, 2021/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

The most common uses of force measurement in OEM (original equipment manufacturer) applications are when a force sensor is designed into a product that will be produced at mid to high volumes and provides real-time force feedback on certain product […]

Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Market Research

August 31, 2021/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Recently, Interface commissioned an independent research report on multi-axis sensors demand and use cases. This is a product line that Interface has made significant investments in as more customers require increased load cell functionality and additional source data from their […]

Force Solutions for Medical Tablet Forming Machines

June 1, 2021/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

In the medical and healthcare industry, accuracy is an absolute imperative in the devices used in every stage including diagnosis, surgery, health monitoring and even after care. This also applies to the specialized equipment used by pharmaceutical manufacturers, in both […]

Testing the Reins

February 26, 2021/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

Think of nearly any piece of hardware, especially those with moving components, and chances are a force measurement device was used in its development and testing. Interface supplies load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension links, and data acquisition devices […]

Faces of Interface Featuring Richard Snelson

January 26, 2021/in Forceleaders /by Brian Johnson

Richard Snelson, president of Measurements Incorporated, is the leader of our outstanding manufacturers’ representative firm serving the Mid-Atlantic coast of the US. The origin of the company, that supports customers in this region with application solutions for structural, material, and […]

Looking Forward to the New Year

December 15, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

2020 has been a challenging year for most. Despite the disruption every person and industry has faced this past year, Interface continues to keep our eyes on the future. What can we do to meet our customer’s needs today and […]

Interface Load Cell Indicators 101

December 1, 2020/in 101 Series, Blog /by Brian Johnson

At Interface, our claim to fame is that we offer the most accurate and reliable force measurement devices on the market, from load cells to torque transducers and everything in-between. However, no test is complete without the system used to […]

Industry Solutions

Product Applications

Interface Guides

Custom Solutions

Company Overview

Medical and Healthcare

medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications

Medical and Healthcare Overview

Medical + Healthcare Applications:

Medical + Healthcare Videos:

Pharmaceuticals

Furthering Advancements in Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical Solutions Using Interface Load Cells

Medical Devices

In-Home Healthcare

Rehabilitation Equipment

Emotional Support Robots

Prosthetics

Medical and Healthcare Applications

Additional Resources

Medical and Healthcare Solutions from the IQ Blog

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

Spotlighting Medical Device and Healthcare Solutions

Where to Find 50 New Force Measurement Application Notes

New Interface White Paper Highlights Turning an Active Component into a Sensor

Interface Multi-Axis Sensor Market Research

Force Solutions for Medical Tablet Forming Machines

Testing the Reins

Faces of Interface Featuring Richard Snelson

Looking Forward to the New Year

Interface Load Cell Indicators 101

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Industry Solutions

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Medical and Healthcare

medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications

Medical and Healthcare Overview

Medical + Healthcare Applications:

Medical + Healthcare Videos:

Medical and Healthcare Applications

Additional Resources

Medical and Healthcare Solutions from the IQ Blog

Interface Products used in Medical and Healthcare

MCC Miniature Compression Load Cell

T2 Ultra Precision Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer

MRT Miniature Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer

MBP Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cell

ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell

SSMF Fatigue Rated S-Type Load Cell

WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell

9890 Strain Gage, Load Cell, and mV/V Indicator

SI-USB4 4 Channel USB Interface Module

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure

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