Orthotics, prosthetics and exoskeletons

We seek to increase evidence-based practice on the design and manufacturing of these devices and do this by:

• Evaluating the biomechanical performance of existing devices using, among other things, motion analyses and motion simulations
• Mapping the mechanical properties of such devices using mechanical simulations (such as finite element simulations) and mechanical test devices such as a test rig for ankle-foot orthoses, a robotic gait simulator, …
• Combining the above two points with each other. By doing so, we optimize the interaction between the person wearing or using the device and the device itself
• Enable new developments by using e.g. additive manufacturing (the more precise name of 3D printing) in developing the devices or developing new prototypes such as, for example, an ankle exoskeleton (actuated ankle-foot orthosis) or an elbow exoskeleton.