Advanced mobility assistive technology for human locomotion

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Mobility assistive technologies (MATs) help to restore normal biomechanics and lessen the effects of mobility-related impairments that affect about 7% of Canadians. Despite ongoing efforts to develop functional MATs, restoring normal biomechanics and mobility remains a major challenge. Additionally, existing custom MATs rely on manual and highly time-consuming fabrication processes, making them very expensive to produce. Promising new research relating to biomechanical assessment techniques using wearable sensors, and advancement in computer-aided modeling and design combined with digital (additive) manufacturing, are paving the way for the development of cost-effective, robust, and high-performance MATs.The goals of this proposed program are to advance development of high-performance MATs by 1) developing and utilizing new techniques and wearable instruments to accurately measure biomechanical behavior of MAT/body system in out-of-lab settings, 2) using empirically-driven computational models to optimize the performance of the MATs to achieve normal biomechanical behavior, and 3) utilizing advanced design and digital manufacturing techniques to develop novel high performance and cost-effective MATs products. The focus of our program is well aligned with NSERC priority area advanced manufacturing' including the utilization of machines' to improve the productivity, accuracy, operation and safety of manufacturing'We are developing novel wearable instruments to accurately measure biomechanical function of MATs in out-of-lab settings. Our lab has conducted work to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of instrument platforms; advancing our research involves developing fully wearable/standalone systems for assessing biomechanical behavior of MATs. Biomechanical data that will be attainable via these new wearable systems will be applied to biomechanical computational models. We are building on our recent work modeling prosthetic dynamics, and extending it to simulate complex MAT biomechanical function for multiple mobility states. These biomechanical simulations will facilitate the optimization of MAT performance and lead to the development of innovative MAT control mechanisms, as well as facilitate the use of advanced fabrication techniques such as additive manufacturing.The proposed research is expected to contribute to the field of natural science and engineering via the development of new wearable instruments, analytical tools, and fabrication techniques, as well as the translation and commercialization of more robust, reliable, functional and cost-effective MATs. The program will help to assert Canada's leadership in the biomedical and rehabilitation engineering, and provide advanced training to the next generation of academics and engineers.