Objective Current robotic technologies show severe limitations in multi-dimensional applications requiring force control, both from the accuracy and safety perspective. Although combined hardware and control concepts have been developed that enable accurate force control in a single degree of freedom, the majority of tasks necessitates superior force control capabilities in multiple degrees of freedom.Within our ERC grant, we have developed a robotic platform that enables high-precision force control in multi-dimensional applications. This system meets the requirements for safe and high-fidelity body-weight supported gait training of rodents. Our system consists of exchangeable and adaptable elastic force sensing modules that can be attached to state-of-the-art macrostructure robots and enable, combined with specific control laws, highly accurate force control along 4 independent degrees of freedom. The interface consists of a compact entity that is relatively light and can be produced at low costs.Within the ERC PoC ‘Robomed’ the goal is to develop a proposition package for potential investors. On the technical side we will create a novel prototype to validate our robotic technology, which will result in a technical report. In consultation with regulatory specialists a roadmap will be developed to obtain regulatory approval based on the norms and procedures for robotics. A patent protects our robot-assisted training and additional patentability of our findings is currently evaluated. A strategy to overcome any obstacles identified is developed. Market opportunities for our technology include translational research, restoring fine locomotor and manual tasks in humans and industrial applications. These market segments will be extensively analysed and subsequently prioritised within the commercialisation strategy. Results will be assembled in a detailed business plan that is presented to several venture capitalists, existing robotic companies and other relevant stakeholders. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticssocial scienceslaw Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-OA-2013-PoC - European Research Council ERC Proof of Concept Call for proposal ERC-2013-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept) Host institution ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE EU contribution € 149 757,00 Address BATIMENT CE 3316 STATION 1 1015 Lausanne Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Vaud Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Caroline Vandevyver (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE Switzerland EU contribution € 149 757,00 Address BATIMENT CE 3316 STATION 1 1015 Lausanne See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Vaud Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Caroline Vandevyver (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
