SRP77

SRP17 is a unique strategic Research Program combining fundamental and strategic research towards application driven research to valorisation, rehabilitation and industry. One of the key terms is human-robot interaction, where a human-centered design is essential and is achieved through the extensive collaboration between robotics engineers and human movement scientists. The main research focus is set at powered prosthetics for individuals with a lower-extremity amputation, industrial back and shoulder exoskeletons, industrial cobots, multi-agent teams, brain-computer interface applications and human-in-the-loop control systems. 

Members

• Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy (MFYS): Kevin De Pauw, Bart Roelands
• Robotics & MultiBody Mechanics Research Group (R&MM): Bram Vanderborght, Tom Verstraten, Greet Van de Perre

Main topics

• Exoskeletons
• Prostheses
• Cobots
• Brain-computer interface (BCI)
• Human-in-the-loop control (HILO)
• Projects, services to third parties (DAD), initiatives and laboratories

The interactive process of redesigning prototypes towards market-proof products involves thorough validation and evaluation processes in which physical effort and cognitive load are investigated in terms of biomechanical, physiological, social and subjective measures. Movement scientists gather, analyse and interpret these data in close collaboration with engineers who focus on the development and validation of the robotics devices in terms of robustness and functionality using mechatronic test benches, and integrate the findings put forward by the movements scientists.

Human-centered robotics is only achieved if mechatronics is being customized. This customization is achieved through the process of bringing electro-physiological measures coming from the brain (brain-computer interface) and periphery (human-in-the-loop optimisation strategies) into the loop with the robotics device. 

Besides product customization different valorisation strategies and benchmarking activities are key to allow effective and large-scale adoption by end-users. Both patients and healthy individuals are being targeted and the main goal is to improve the quality of life of all individuals. Injury prevention and the prevention of physical and/or mental fatigue are targeted in sports, industrial and rehabilitation settings. The wide range of research activities, robotics modules and target groups emphasize the importance of this program for society and economy.