Distributed medical technology systems - Solutions for the internal communication of control units for modular operating tables

Context

In everyday clinical practice, operating tables must be flexibly adapted to the requirements of different surgical disciplines. At the same time, new components are often added to them over the course of their life cycle. As a result, modern operating table systems have developed into modular robotic systems based on the "building block principle". Powerful (internal) communication technology plays a key role here. The increasing use of service-oriented architectures in embedded systems and the further development of established robotics middleware such as ROS/ROS2 open up new possibilities, but also pose technological challenges.

Aims

The aim of this bachelor thesis is to analyze and evaluate communication systems and protocols for modular medical devices based on current and future requirements, using the example of an operating table. Modern middleware, for example for service-oriented communication, will also be considered. In addition, the increasing degree of distribution of the function to system-external computing units will be taken into account. The focus of the analysis and evaluation is on communication within the modular medical device and not on communication with other devices.

Prerequisites

Independent way of working and creative way of thinking Programming skills in C++ Basic knowledge of communication systems and protocols such as CAN The work will be carried out at Getinge AB in Rastatt and therefore offers the possibility of a strong practical relevance.