The Role of Biomaterials in Designing Service Robots for Biomedical Engineering

Abstract

Integrating service robots into contemporary healthcare systems has significantly advanced the scope and complexity of robotic design, especially regarding the materials used in direct interaction with patients and sterile medical environments. This article investigates the pivotal role of biomaterials in shaping both the structural integrity and functional performance of service robots. A key focus was placed on the selection criteria, biocompatibility, sterilization potential, and adaptability of advanced biomaterials used in components that demand mechanical efficiency and safety. A key focus was also placed on the quantitative selection criteria for these materials, including mechanical strength (e.g., tensile strength of more than 50 MPa for polymeric joints), elasticity (Young’s modulus ranging from 10–1000 MPa depending on the application), and biocompatibility ratings based on the ISO 10993 standard. Particular attention was paid to integrating biocompatible polymers and composites that should withstand repeated sterilization cycles (up to 100 autoclave exposures without structural degradation) while maintaining antimicrobial surfaces and hypoallergenic properties. Additionally, the study explored the application of smart materials (e.g., stimuli-responsive hydrogels and shape-memory alloys), which showed response times under 5 s and deformation recovery rates above 90 %, enabling adaptive robotic behavior in dynamic contexts. The study also outlines current research trends, i.e., using responsive polymers, bioinspired composites, and additive manufacturing techniques that enable personalized robotic solutions. Additive manufacturing techniques were analyzed as enablers of rapid prototyping and patient-specific customization, with the article referencing case studies where 3D-printed biopolymer components reduced development time by 40 % and improved fitting precision in assistive robotic devices by 30 %. Emerging research trends were finally examined through bibliometric data, indicating 3.5 times increase in publications related to “biomaterials in medical robotics” from 2015 to 2024 in Scopus. Overall, the research critically examined the challenges associated with material certification processes, emphasizing that the average duration required to obtain regulatory approval typically spans between 18 and 24 months, posing a significant barrier to the timely deployment of advanced robotic systems in actual environments. By adopting an interdisciplinary perspective that combines materials science and robotics engineering, this study underscores the transformative impact of biomaterials in redefining the capabilities, safety, and personalization of medical service robots. The findings highlight technological advancements and future directions in robotic systems’ sustainable and intelligent deployment.