Modelling and control of soft-rigid actuator for assistive technologies

PhD researcher: Mohamed Gaber
Supervisors: David Branson and Ian Ashcroft

Over the past decade, soft actuators have found its way in assistive and rehabilitative research according to is compliant nature compared to the traditional rigid actuators. However, soft actuators still need a lot of developments to be more controllable, portable, faster response and higher force. On the other hand, 3D printing technologies, accuracy and available materials giving opportunities to make new designs to solve soft actuators problems.

Mohamed’s PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. His research aims to develop Pneumatic soft-rigid actuators which can be fabricated using 3D printed technology to be used for knee rehabilitation.

Additionally, Mohamed is working on a project “3D-Printed Soft-Glove for Post-Stroke Hand Rehabilitation” under the supervision of Dr.Emad El-Yahya and funding from UNICAS.

This project aims at closing the gap between the engineering and the physiotherapists and patients’ part to increase its adoption rate and usability of soft wearable gloves. This will be achieved by engaging the medical physiotherapists in a co-design process through Patients and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) sessions. Also, after-stroke patients will be engaged in PPIE sessions for collecting feedback about the different designs, material, and control methods.

Head and shoulders portrait of Mohamed Gaber smiling

It is a great opportunity to get in touch with the patients and the therapists who are involved in the rehabilitation process to explore their problem through the NRC network and activities.

Currently, my research interests are about using 3D printing technologies to develop soft wearable robots that can be used during the rehabilitation process for post stroke patients.