Highlights of MD&M Texas

From robots to 3-D printing, medical device designers have plenty to explore at this year's MD&M Texas, scheduled to run May 7 and 8 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.Here are four highlights from the show:

Human Factors Engineering and Medical DevicesWednesday, May 7--10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This Learning Lab delves into what human factors can do for medical device design, and also provides a regulatory update on the field. Speakers include Andy Schaudt, director of usability services for the National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare; Elise Edson, manager of human factors engineering at Covidien; and Eric Schaffer, PhD, founder and CEO of Human Factors International.

Drug Delivery and Medical DevicesWednesday, May 7--11:40 a.m.-12:10p.m.

TissueGen last year launched its first commercially available product, Elute biodegradable drug-loaded fiber, and moved into a new facility in Dallas. Visit the Tech Theater to hear Kevin D. Nelson, Ph.D., TissueGen's founder and chief scientific officer, as he describes, "Enabling the next generation of drug delivery through implantable medical devices."

Practical Applications of RoboticsThursday, May 8--1-3 p.m.

Better robotics and automation on the factory floor has the potential to help bring back manufacturing to the United States, and that includes medical device manufacturing. Join a Learning Lab that delves into the management of a robot workforce.

The Ins and Outs of 3-D Printing

Whether it involves rapid prototyping, better models or even creating living tissues and organs, 3-D printing is a hot topic in medical device circles these days. A 3-5 p.m. Learning Lab on Wednesday, May 7, will delve into 3-D printing strategies and case studies. Experts include Michael Moussa, product development engineer at PartSnap. Need more 3-D printing info? Barbara Arnold-Feret, account manager at Statasys distributor EngATech, goes through the "alphabet soup" of the technology during a Tech Theater talk, 11-11:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 8. And don't forget to check out 3-D printing technology on the show floor.

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of MPMN and Qmed. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.