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Titanium (Ti) has achieved extensive applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Plasma can enhance surface hydrophilia of Ti with decreased carbon contamination. The traditional conditions using a single gas plasma was for longer treatment time and more prone to being contaminated. We designed and developed novel and universal apparatus and methods with a special clamping device of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment using mixed gas for Ti surface activation. We systematically and quantitatively investigated the effective effects of NTAP-Ti. The surface water contact angle decreased by 100%, the carbon content decreased by 80% and oxygen content increased by 50% in the novel NTAP-Ti surfaces. NTAP treatment accelerated the attachment, spread, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts in vitro. The percentage of bone-to-implant contact increased by 25–40%, and the osteoclasts and bone resorption were suppressed by 50% in NTAP-Ti in vivo. In conclusion, NTAP-Ti substantially enhanced the physical and biological effects and integration with bone. The novel and universal apparatus and methods with a special clamping device using gas mixtures are promising for implant activation by swiftly and effectively changing the Ti surface to a hydrophilic one to enhance dental and orthopedic applications.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of “Pylon-Climber”, a pole climbing robot (PCR) for climbing along the corner columns of electricity pylon and assisting the electricians to complete maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach Introduces a PCR that is composed of a simple climbing mechanism and two novel grippers. The gripper consists of two angle-fixed V-blocks, and the size of V-block is variable. The clamping method of the angle bar meets the requirement of the force closure theorem. The whole design adopts symmetrical design ideas. Findings The developed prototype proved possibility of application of PCRs for inspection and maintenance of pylon. The novel gripper can provide enough adhesion force for climbing robot. Practical implications The robot is successfully tested on a test tower composed of different specification steel angles, oblique ledges and overlapping steel struts. Originality/value Design and development of a novel climbing assistive robot for pylon maintenance. The robot is able to climb along the column of electricity pylon and pass all obstacles. The gripper can reliably grasp the angle bar with different specification and overlapping steel struts from multiple directions.