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~/roboticare spinal motion platform

CervicalBot, an open-source 6-DOF robotic platform for controlled spinal motion.

A compact Stewart platform for reproducible in-vitro spinal motion, implant validation, phantom testing, and general 6-DOF motion prototyping. Available as a free open-source self-build package or as an assembled research unit.

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interactive wireframe

CAD model

loading model…

01

Programmable 6-DOF motion

Controlled translation and rotation: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw.

02

In-vitro spinal testing

Designed for spinal phantoms, electrode prototypes, instrumented fixtures, and repeatable test protocols.

03

Generalist motion platform

Use the same mechanism for robotics education, sensor testing, programmable fixtures, and mechanical validation.

specifications

Technical overview.

Preliminary values derived from the current CAD model and six-servo actuation architecture. Final workspace, repeatability, and load capacity should be validated on the assembled platform with the target fixture.

Mechanical architecture

Type
6-DOF Stewart platform
Motion axes
X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, yaw
Dimensions
≈ 230 × 210 × 260 mm
Model basis
Current CAD-derived wireframe

Actuation

Actuators
6 × high-torque rotary servos
Actuator class
≈ 15 kg·cm-class servos, supplier-dependent
Power
External 12 V high-current supply recommended
Control
Pose and trajectory commands

Estimated operating values

Translation
≈ ±25 mm translation range, pose-dependent
Rotation
≈ ±20° roll, pitch, and yaw typical working range
Output torque
Estimated ≈ 0.5–1.5 N·m at the moving plate, pose- and fixture-dependent
Repeatability
Estimated ≈ 1–3 mm / 1–2°; validate with external tracking

implant_validation

For spinal implant development.

CervicalBot can serve as a programmable in-vitro motion bench for teams developing epidural electrode arrays, flexible neural interfaces, lead routing strategies, and spinal cord stimulation prototypes.

The platform is intended for preclinical engineering workflows: repeatable motion input, synchronized measurements, and mechanical comparison of implant concepts before animal studies or clinical translation.

Electrode stability

Evaluate migration, alignment, and contact behavior during flexion-extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, and coupled trajectories.

Lead and cable strain

Compare routing, anchoring, and strain-relief strategies under repeated spinal motion.

Impedance during motion

Synchronize trajectories with impedance measurements, stimulation electronics, video tracking, or force sensing.

Cyclic validation

Run repeatable motion protocols to screen flexible substrates, interconnects, encapsulation concepts, and implant fixtures.

get

Choose a build path.

Download the open-source package for self-build projects, or configure a pre-built unit for laboratory use.

free open-source CAD package

Open-source self-build version

For teams that want a free open-source route to manufacture, modify, instrument, and adapt the platform to their own test setup.

  • CAD and printable files for mechanical fabrication.
  • User-defined actuation, electronics, and controller stack.
  • Mechanical access for custom fixtures and sensors.
  • Suitable for education, prototyping, and methods development.
download open-source package
assembled platform

Pre-built unitstarting 699 CHF

For laboratories and engineering teams that need assembled hardware, basic validation, and a shorter integration path.

  • Assembled 6-DOF Stewart platform.
  • Integrated actuators and electronics.
  • Basic calibration and functional checks.
  • Control examples and integration notes.

control

Pose and trajectory control.

The control interface is organized around explicit poses and trajectories, allowing experiments to be scripted, repeated, and synchronized with external measurements.

trajectory.py
from cervicalbot import CervicalBot, Pose

bot = CervicalBot(port="/dev/ttyUSB0")
bot.connect()

neutral = Pose(z=0, roll=0, pitch=0, yaw=0)
flexion = Pose(z=6, roll=0, pitch=8, yaw=0)
rotation = Pose(z=4, roll=0, pitch=0, yaw=12)

bot.execute_trajectory([neutral, flexion, rotation], speed=25)
bot.disconnect()

applications

Beyond one use case.

The same 6-DOF platform can be configured as a spinal implant test bench, a programmable motion fixture, or a compact tool for controlled multi-axis movement.

Spinal implant validation

Test electrode arrays, leads, anchors, and phantoms under controlled in-vitro spinal motion.

Biomechanics research

Apply repeatable 6-DOF trajectories to models, fixtures, and instrumented experimental setups.

Sensor and device testing

Use the platform as a programmable moving fixture for cameras, IMUs, force sensors, and prototype devices.

Robotics education

Teach Stewart-platform kinematics, calibration, control, and trajectory generation on physical hardware.

request

Describe your experiment.

Tell us whether you are evaluating spinal implants, building a general 6-DOF test bench, or adapting the platform for another experimental workflow. The form opens a draft email for review before sending.