At UCL, we are pioneering advancements in the field of rehabilitative and assistive technologies. Researchers take a holistic approach to ‘whole body’ movement rehabilitation following an injury, working to tackle neuro-physiological repair and develop effective assistance that promotes functional independence.
Current research includes the replacement of body parts such as 3D printing personalised hip replacements and developing bionic prosthetics for amputees. Other projects work at the interface of living neural tissue and non-living constructs to repair, replace or enhance patients’ nerve systems. Yet another direction of research targets the brain and nervous system to aid the restoration of lost motor abilities and another area aims to assist individuals with disabilities with their daily living and independence.
The case-studies below offer a glimpse of the healthcare engineering research activity within rehabilitative and assistive technologies at UCL. If you would like your research project to be featured here, please email healthcare-eng@ucl.ac.uk.
‘Smart’ prosthetic liner monitors wearer’s temperature and actively cools
New wearable materials can decrease discomfort for prosthesis-wearers.
Assistive wheelchair technology to reduce injuries in users and carers
A new power add-on for wheelchairs can increase independence for wheelchair users.
Developing wheelchair-accessible maps of Delhi
The international project will make navigating Delhi easier for wheelchair-users.
Making the feeling of touch accessible to all
Could prosthetic hands with haptic feedback become available to anyone who needs them?
