Biomechatronics is the interdisciplinary study of biology, mechanics, and electronics. It focuses on the research and design of assistive, therapeutic and diagnostic devices to compensate (partially) for the loss of human physiological functions or to enhance these functions.
A thorough knowledge of the human healthy and eventually impaired physiology is required to optimally design biomechatronic devices. In particular, biophysical models of muscles, joints, central nervous system and sensors, and human motion control are very helpful for analysis and innovative designs. Also knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, control engineering, system identification, and signal processing are required to realize devices that improve the quality of life of humans. Example of such devices are deep brain stimulators to suppress the symptoms of Parkinson disease, rehabilitation robotics to enhance neuro-rehabilitation of stroke survivors, wearable exoskeletons for humans that are unable to control their muscles (e.g. Spinal cord injured patients or Duchenne patients), prosthesis, brain computer interfaces, or support of cardiovascular and pulmonary function in the intensive care.
As a student, you will be able to tailor the program to address your own individual interests and needs.