Increasing situational awareness at human-machine interface level is a key success factor for high efficiency therapies and surgical procedures. On a technical level, cost-effective, reliable sensor integration becomes the most critical element where multi-disciplinary approaches are needed in the fields of sensor design, sensory intelligence, energy management, packaging and materials. We present two examples of mechanical human-machine-interfaces (HMIs) in completely different use cases in the medical field where sensor integration adds significant value.