clients

academic and clinical researchers

we design and build biomedical devices, and other sophisticated electromechanical systems, rapidly, professionally, on-time, on-spec, and on-budget. We work closely with our clients during development to assure good decisions and to maintain confidence. Subcontracting Kinea Design for instrumentation development allows researchers to focus on research. In many cases Kinea Design collaborates in grant proposal preparation.

• muscle recovery measurement unit, for measuring very weak muscle activity in recovery from stroke.
  • client: Methodist Hospital (Houston)
• black ghost ribbon fin, a 32 degree of freedom underwater fish robot for fluid dynamics studies of a unique propulsion mechanism.
  • client: Northwestern University
• wrist strength isolation unit, for measuring wrist strength as separated from muscle synergies.
  • client: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

industrial and healthcare products

kinea design engages in a full best-practices user-oriented design methodology. We rigorously investigate user needs, debate and brainstorm with clients, prototype to obtain user and client feedback, test concepts, and design for manufacture -- working closely with our clients to bring new technology into use. We have experience in preparing patent disclosures and working with intellectual property attorneys.

• kineassist walking and balance training robot, for gait and balance retraining.
  • client: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
• hookassist ergonomic assist robot, a power amplification device for meat workers.
  • client: Meat and Livestock Australia

design firm subcontracts

kinea design has unique expertise in haptics, prosthetics, and the design of devices that physically interface human to machine. Other contract design and development companies outsource some subsystems to us, confident in our track record and our commitment to coordinating closely and professionally. In many cases Kinea Design collaborates in grant proposal preparation.

• tactile finger-tip sensors and haptic tactor, prosthetic components for DARPA’s revolutionizing prosthetics 2007 program.
  • with: DEKA Research
• prosthetic hand components, prosthetic components for DARPA’s revolutionizing prosthetics 2009 program.
  • with: John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab / New World Associates (link coming soon)
• forearm embedded 15 degree-of-freedom actuator for DARPA’s revolutionizing prosthetics 2009 program.
  • with: John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab / New World Associates

what we do:

• co-author or subcontract in proposal preparation. Our track record in design and commercialization lends strength to a proposal.
• identify needs and specifications. We have the experience to ballpark the cost consequences of different approaches, as we work with you.
• bring to bear our award-winning user-focused design process. The result is true usability, as opposed to just meeting specifications.
• design and prototype as necessary, and include clients and users in the process, to avoid wrong turns or misunderstandings.
• fabricate mechanical parts and electronics, write software and electromechanical control code, and interface to laboratory instruments - all capabilities of our own engineers and our pool of trusted vendors.
• rigorously document our work and designs, and create high quality training materials where needed.
• prepare patent disclosures for protectable developments, and work with intellectual property attorneys.