Analysis of Structural Failure Evaluation of Rehabilitation Devices Prototyped with Additive Technology

This article will evaluate the safety analysis performed on upper limb rehabilitation equipment mainly generated with 3D printing, which is used as prototyping and materialization technology. The ways in which these analyses are performed will be indicated. These are done both virtually, through simulations with specialized software using the finite element analysis method; and those performed with real tests in laboratories, testing different stresses with specific instruments. Since rehabilitation devices such as exoskeletons or robotic devices generate active forces, it is important to perform the corresponding evaluations of these devices to ensure their proper functioning on patients. In this section, a review of how these analyses are performed will be made, showing the differences between methods and a critical analysis of shortcomings and possible improvements.