Upperlimb exoskeleton - exploring the concept of power enhancement for individuals with movement difficulties

With the advent of rapid manufacturing techniques it is feasible to make custom upper-limb exoskeletons. Applications are likely to encompass movement rehabilitation, assistive robotics or advanced haptic interfaces. Problems to be solved include, i) matching the kinematics of the person to the kinematics of the exoskeleton, ii) measurement of the exoskeleton ’state’ and hence inferring the movements of the individual, iii) advancing techniques to infer and assist the person’s intended movement, iv) combining actuators and passive elements to assist movement and to enhance the person’s power, v) understanding the combination of rigid and elastic materials necessary to transmit forces to the person and the object they are manipulating, vi) doing all the above safely and effectively for the individual concerned. The key aim for this research would be to advance the process of rapid design, in particular to explore the concept of power enhancement for individuals with movement difficulties.
A suitable candidate will have a high quality degree in engineering, physics, computer science, with an interest in exploring both theoretical and applied aspects of the research area.