Intelligent body interface systems for lower limb rehabilitation

Devices like lower limb prostheses and orthoses are currently reliant on a great deal of skill and expertise for correct fitment and adjustment. This dependence on a process which is largely observational, unguided, unquantified and based on artisan methods is unlikely to produce consistently good outcomes. The lack of objective measurement data from which to assist this process is a fundamental clinical and technological barrier in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. There is a current world wide skills shortage and a limited number of suitably clinicians and reproducibility of good clinical outcomes such as prosthetic alignment or socket fit has remained unchanged for decades.

This project aims to combine existing and new body interface sensor technologies with computer vison, motions sensing, augmented reality and artificial intelligence techniques to develop the scientific models and framework to provide and “pocket clinician” solution which could be deployed on smart phone and tablet computers. Such solution will help to enable patients’ self-care and quick access to guided adjustments of prosthesis and orthosis even at home settings. The research outcomes from this project will provide a new paradigms for lower limb prosthetic and orthotic care, and at the same time provide comprehensive analysis of body interface biomechanics.

Applicants with backgrounds or interest in the fields of biomedical engineering, mechatronics or are potentially suitable. Additional experience in human locomotion analysis would be advantageous but not essential. Applicants should hold degrees equivalent to UK 2:1 or 1st class honours.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Liudi Jiang, Engineering Materials Research group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 8748.