Benjamin Summers

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > Benjamin Summers

I’m a final-year Product Design and Manufacture student at the University of Nottingham, passionate about creating thoughtful, functional solutions that sit at the intersection of design, engineering, and user experience. My work is driven by a desire to understand real problems and respond with meaningful, human-centred outcomes.

For my major project, I developed ALIGN—a recovery exoskeleton designed to aid and monitor rehabilitation from lower back injuries, particularly in rowing. Drawing from my background in competitive rowing, I wanted to explore how wearable technology could bridge the gap between passive support and active recovery. This self-led project allowed me to delve deeply into user research, biomechanics, and technical development, resulting in a product that balances form, function, and purpose.

Over the past three years, I’ve built a wide-ranging technical skill set—using tools like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Keyshot, alongside hands-on fabrication through CNC and 3D printing. I’ve applied these skills in individual and team projects, including the “Wave Brew” community pod design and a manufacturable bird feeder for the contemporary garden market. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and see a concept through to its final iteration.

Outside of design, I’ve taken on leadership and volunteer roles—from working as a site foreman to coaching young rowers—shaping my ability to communicate, manage responsibility, and stay grounded in practical realities.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue opportunities in assistive technology and performance-driven design spaces where thoughtful innovation can genuinely enhance people’s lives.

Benjamin Summers, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

ALIGN

Align is an advanced soft exoskeleton engineered to aid the rehabilitation of lower back injuries specifically within the context of rowing — a sport known for its high physical demands and prevalence of spinal strain. Traditional recovery methods are often lengthy and inconsistent, particularly when athletes train independently without adequate insight into their movement patterns. Incorrect technique during recovery can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of re-injury.

Align directly addresses this issue by combining intelligent biomechanics with user-friendly design. It features three integrated IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) that work in unison to track spinal alignment in real time. Data is relayed through a heads-up display that provides visual cues on posture and alignment, while haptic feedback — subtle vibrations — alerts the user immediately when their form places them at risk. Additionally, a built-in heart rate monitor, introduced based on feedback from market research, allows athletes and coaches to monitor physical exertion, offering further insight into training intensity and recovery progress.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, Align accommodates a wide range of body types, from 5th percentile females to 95th percentile males, using adjustable shoulder and torso straps paired with push-to-release clips for ease of wear. The exoskeleton is lightweight, breathable, and discreet enough to be worn comfortably under athletic clothing, ensuring it does not interfere with performance or movement.

By providing athletes with immediate, personalised feedback and promoting safe technique, Align empowers rowers to take control of their recovery. Its innovative integration of sensor technology and ergonomic design helps reduce rehabilitation time, minimise recurring injuries, and extend the longevity and wellbeing of rowers at all levels.