Descripción del proyecto
Formación de investigadores noveles para crear prótesis más inteligentes
La tecnología de las prótesis de extremidades ha avanzado mucho durante la última década, pero todavía no es capaz de generar una marcha uniforme en las personas que dependen de ellas para el movimiento físico. El sector, aunque prometedor, sufre la falta de profesionales formados en las complejidades de la tecnología aplicada a la vida cotidiana. SimBiotics es un proyecto en el que participa un centro clínico y un líder mundial en el sector de las prótesis para formar a cuatro investigadores noveles con el objetivo de que desarrollen prótesis de extremidades que integren elementos neuromecánicos y retroalimentación sensorial. Los amputados que usen estas piernas biónicas las percibirán como extensiones de su cuerpo, dado que las prótesis reproducirán la mecánica de la marcha con una precisión mucho mayor. La formación será multidisciplinaria y orientada a la carrera profesional a la vez que resulta beneficiosa para la sociedad.
Objetivo
Robotic lower limb prostheses, or bionic legs, have underwent tremendous mechatronic advances in the past decade. However, current prosthesis control interfaces are still sub-optimal leading to inefficient walking. To address this limit, there is need for highly trained professionals that work at the intersection of academic research, clinical assessment and market translation. However, current doctoral training programs do not equip candidates with the complex skillset required to develop prosthetic limbs.
SimBionics will establish a comprehensive training program that will equip Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with the engineering, clinical and entrepreneurial skills required to bring an idea into the market. SimBionics brings together two internationally recognized academic centers, one clinical center and one of the world leading companies in prosthetics. Four ESRs will be trained to develop a radically new control interface that integrates, for the first time, neuromechanical modeling and artificial sensory feedback. This will enable bionic legs to mimic the mechanics of their biological counterparts, so that amputees perceive the prosthesis as an extension of their own body.
ESR training will cover all phases of development; from technology conceptualization to translation into a successful product. ESRs will learn to investigate user and stakeholder requirements. They will learn regulatory aspects for medical products, reimbursement mechanisms, intellectual property, and elements that can block successful development. ESRs will thus receive a tailored career development plan including skills acquisition, project/teamwork management, and open science/gender aspects. Outreach activities will be realized to improve public understanding of SimBionics’ socio-economical potentials and clinical benefits. SimBionics will enhance ESRs’ career perspectives and establish a reference for technology development training program.
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MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinador
37115 Duderstadt
Alemania