smart wearables for sensing leg biomechanics in the wild
Are you passionate about wearable technologies for sensing human movement? Are you interested in developing fully wearable technologies for sensing human biomechanics, out of constrained laboratory conditions and directly in the real world? Join us for an ambitious project across two faculties (ET and EECMS), three research groups (RAM, BSS, BE), and the UT’s Robotics Centre.
This is framed as part of the “Mission I.A.M.” initiative (link: www.mission-iam.com), which aims at creating a wearable tech that will monitor biomechanical health continuously during ultra-marathon races to ultimately develop bionic legs that can be used anytime, anywhere, by anyone. We are now targeting developing a prototype ready to be used for the Marathon Des Sables, Jordan edition, on November 1-8, 2025 (https://www.halfmarathondessables.com/jordan).
We will assemble a team of 3 MSc students who will work together for 9 months for the development of (1) reusable, durable and wearable muscle sensors, (2) minimal sensing setups, and (3) digital human twins.
Gantt Chart
Project 1
Task | Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5 | Month 6 | Month 7 |
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Literature study | x |
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Define what to measure |
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Define how to measure it |
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Design the sensor and embedding |
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Design the sensor interface |
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Fabricate the sensors |
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Characterise the sensors |
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Conclude and write up |
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Project 2
Task | Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5 | Month 6 | Month 7 | Month 8 | Month 9 |
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Sensor to segment calibration | x | x |
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Segment orientation estimation |
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Implement everything on the embedded system |
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Integration |
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Project 3: (max 9 months)
Task | Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | Month 5 | Month 6 | Month 7 | Month 8 | Month 9 |
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Implement basic equations of a minimal digital twin on an embedded system | x | x | x | x |
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Calibration and validation of against ground truth (inverse dynamics) |
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Refinement of an embedded digital twin to operate with sensors developed in projects 1 and 3. |
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Greenlight meeting and thesis defence |
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Group Descriptions
BSS: Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) is a multidisciplinary group based in Electrical Engineering, focussing on finding solutions for medical challenges via signal and system analysis. Advanced (ambulatory) sensor technology combined with our broad knowledge of the human body as a dynamic system enables (eHealth) technology to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sensory, motor and internal dysfunction in clinical and home/self-care settings. Our research helps to improve the quality of life of the elderly, people with chronic diseases and rehabilitation patients.
RAM: The Robotics and Mechatronics (RaM) group is active on both fundamental and application-driven topics in the field of robotics. We develop novel fundamental paradigms and physically based methodologies, which we then translate in the Lab into demonstrators and prototypes. The area of robot application is mostly in healthcare and inspection and maintenance. The research is embedded in the TechMed and DSI Institutes. In RAM the NIFTy (Nature Inspired Fabrication & Technology) focuses on the 3D printing of structures with embedded sensors and actuators. The RAM 3D print lab has an extensive array of 3D printers allowing them to print from very soft to rather stiff materials. Electrical conductivity is provided by carbon black doped materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or poly-lactic acid (PLA). The available 3D printers allow for up to 5 materials to be printed in one print. A more recent and explorative material we are working on is carbon black doped silicone.
BE’s Neuro-Mechanical Modelling & Engineering Lab: We interface robotic technologies with the neuromuscular system to improve movement. We apply modelling and signal processing, in a translational way, to develop novel real-time bio-inspired assistive technologies. Our goal is to establish a roadmap for discovering fundamental principles of movement at the interface between humans and wearable robots ultimately for improving human health. Check out our pages:
- Lab: https://bit.ly/NMLab
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/NMLTube
Robotics Centre: The Robotics Centre is a dynamic hub where research, education, innovation, and broad community intertwine. With our human-centred robotics approach, we develop solutions for pressing challenges in healthcare, industry and society that improve life. Our innovation centre speeds up R&D through joint innovation roadmaps and consortia, accelerating breakthroughs. We innovate and collaborate with students, researchers, business partners, NGOs, governments, and the media to develop robotic solutions that truly benefit society.