Head of research group: Lotte N. S. Andreasen Struijk

Who we are?

The members have backgrounds in biomedical engineering, odontology, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. This creates a solid basis for the interdisciplinary nature of neurorehabilitation robotics.

Our research – what we do

We develop methods and technologies to assist and/or restore the functionality in individuals with functional disabilities. Special focus is on neurorehabilitation robotics and assistive technologies including human-machine interfaces based on tongue, brain and muscle signals. We investigate how the integration of signals of biological origin, haptic feedback, electrical stimulation, artificial intelligence, semi-automation and therapeutic schemes with robotic and assistive technologies can enhance the rehabilitation outcome.

How does our research contribute to societal health challenges?

By developing robotics and assistive technologies, we can enhance the rehabilitation outcome by increasing the impact of therapeutic rehabilitation, the self-supportiveness, the quality of life and the societal inclusion of the users and thereby reduce the burden on the health care sector. In this way, our research is addressing current major societal challenges resulting from a growing proportion of elderly, individuals suffering from lifestyle diseases such as stroke and a decreasing number of workers in the health sector. This is accomplished through a holistic approach involving clinical collaborators, industry and disabled individuals.

Who are our key collaborators?

Companies:

• TKS A/S Life Science Robotics

• TA-service

• Exact Dynamics, the Netherlands

• Assistive Innovations, the Netherlands

 Hospitals/others:

• Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)

• Vestdansk Center for Rygmarvsskade, Viborg

• Aalborg University Hospital (AAUH)

• Regionshospitalet Hammel Neurocenter, AU

• Rigshospitalet

• RYK

• Rehabiliteringscenter for muskelsvind

• Sygehus Vendsyssel, Brønderslev Neurorehabiliteringscenter

• Vestdansk Videnscenter for Neurorehabilitering

Key international collaborators (random order)

• Peter Veltink, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Netherlands

• Christian Cipriani, Professor, Director of the BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy

• Dario Farina, Professor, Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK

• Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33b, Enschede, The Netherlands