Proof-of-concept study of the TriBot: a robot-based test setup for biotribological analyses of curved articular surfaces.

Introduction: Investigations on the articular cartilage (AC) frictional properties contribute to a better understanding of knee joint functionality. We identified the need for a tribological setup that allows for friction measurements on curved AC surfaces, without disrupting its structural integrity, under orthogonal contact conditions and controlled normal force application. Therefore, a robotic-based tribometer-the TriBot-was developed and validated in a two-part proof-of-concept study.