Active and passive exoskeletons for support of motor function

Active (motorized) and passive orthoses or exoskeletons support the rehabilitation and execution of everyday movements.

In the case of passive exoskeletons, it is mainly gravity compensation mechanisms that make it possible to carry out movements with less muscle power.

In active exoskeletons additional joint moments are applied by actuators.
 
MUNDUS - MUltimodal Neuroprosthesis for Daily Upper limb Support (FP7)

RETRAINER - REaching and grasping Training based on Robotic hybrid AssIstance for Neurological patients: End users Real life evaluation (H2020)

www.retrainer.eu  , opens an external URL in a new window

Assistive systems and their optimization

Assistive systems support people with impaired motor functions with the aim to achieve a high degree of autonomy in everyday life.  

Optimized wheelchair drive

Development of an alternative wheelchair drive for more efficient locomotion with reduced stress on the joint structures.

Braille ring

Development of a handy, compact reader for Braille, in which the sequences of letters are displayed on a rotating ring.

Training device for space

MDS -
Multifunctional Dynamometer for Application in Space

Development of a computer-assisted training and diagnostic device for fitness training, as well as strength and endurance performance diagnostics, for long-term missions in space. The device enables a versatile comprehensive strength training of the limb and core muscles to counteract the breakdown of muscles and bones in weightlessness. The MDS training device participated in the 'Mars 500' study, in which a crew of 6 was isolated for 520 days in an environment that simulated a flight to Mars.

Restoration of motor function through functional electrical stimulation

Functional electrostimulation (FES) is the electrical stimulation of a muscle directly or indirectly via the motor nerves to perform a muscle contraction. By electrostimulation of skeletal muscles in defined stimulation patterns motor functions can be restored - eg walking or cycling for paraplegic persons.

Modelling and simulation of normal and pathological human movement

Biomechanical musculoskeletal models in combination with movement simulations and experimental investigations provide information on muscle function and causes of pathological movements; Optimization methods are used to investigate the effects of interventions in the musculoskeletal system (eg. surgery).

Miniaturized assistive devices for the cardiopulmonary system.

Miniaturized systems consisting of pump and drive units that can be inserted minimal invasively.

ASSISTOCOR - Development and optimization of a pneumatically operated heart catheter pump to support blood ejection from the left ventricle.

LIQUICLEAR / MILL - Development and optimization of a membrane catheter with integrated drive unit to support the gas exchange in the lungs. Minimally invasive insertion into the vena cava minimizes additional strain on the organism.