ERC Proof of Concept funding was awarded to Dr Lawrence Moon for a project entitled “MINIATURE ROBOTS”. We have developed and refined devices which automate the training, assessment and rehabilitation of grasping (dexterity) in rats and mice that are suitable for testing of novel therapies to improve hand and arm function in rat and mouse models of disability (e.g. stroke or spinal cord injury). These inventions should accelerate the discovery of therapies for neurological injury and disease affecting hand and arm movements. Having previously developed a first prototype (RatBot), we developed a second prototype (MouseBots). We improved the designs of these inventions so that they are more robust. We refined the method of design so that it is suitable for scaled-up manufacture and we built capacity for beta testing. We are going through an additional phase of refinement prior to sending out devices for beta testing. We have identified potential customers in academia and industry (CRO/Pharma) who have expressed the need for an automated, affordable and objective method for assessing recovery of hand and arm movement in rodent models of disability. We developed a business plan which includes strategies for marketing and market-building, pricing and a product pipeline. Our market research indicates that these products will be commercially viable. The PI obtained additional grant funding for using RatBots in biomedical research totalling nearly half a million Euros. Finally, we formed a start-up company (Research Devices Ltd) and we launched a website that will take sales (www.ResearchDevices.com).
