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Project

MIRAD-An Integrated Methodology to bring Intelligent Robotic Assistive devices to the user "MIRAD" (IWT588)

There is an increasing demand for fundamental knowledge on the interaction of mechatronic devices and humans. This project focuses on motion interaction, such as is present in orthoses, prostheses, rehabilitation or training equipment, and in teleoperation and assistive devices for industry. Obtaining a high user satisfaction is currently limited, because many knowledge domains are involved: mechatronics (i.e. mechanical design, electronic design, and control software design), biomechanical knowledge on human motion models, rehabilitation knowledge (i.e. the short and long term adaptation of patients using these devices), and psychological aspects (i.e. improving the comfort and acceptance of these devices).

Just as the word "MIRAD" stands for an artificial universal world language, the MIRAD project's acronym reflects our intention to develop a universal integrated methodology to bring intelligent robotic assistive devices to the users. Therefore the MIRAD project brings together a unique consortium of experts from different fields.

To test our methodology, we focus on a challenging application in the health care sector: a bilateral intelligent active lower-limb exoskeleton to assist persons suffering from functional weakness. The project will not develop a product that is ready for clinical practice. Follow-up R&D projects will be needed for that purpose. Apart from health care, the project targets valorisation of the developed methodologies and technologies in various industrial sectors and market segments, which also exhibit a growing need for applications of robotic assistive devices that interact with humans, for example sports, space, nuclear, entertainment and defense. As follow-up R&D projects we have commitments in the health care sector, in the sport and fitness sector and in the aerospace sector.
Date:1 Jan 2013 →  31 Dec 2016
Keywords:vibrations, acoustics, fluid dynamics, Combustion
Disciplines:Acoustics, noise and vibration engineering, Other engineering and technology