GLASS Project

The projects for Tandon Honors students in the Global Leaders & Scholars in STEM program consists of a culmination of various experiences, research, and interests related to the Tandon Areas of Research Excellence. Scholars are also required to address the NAE Grand Challenges and think about the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals when doing so. At the end of the 3 years in the GLASS Program, students have a better understanding of the impact they can have on changing the world for the better. GLASS students enter the world as globally competent and socially responsible innovators and engineers!

Broadening access to medical care: 

• An increasingly aging global population applies pressure to the medical system and strains the ability of health care professionals such as physical therapists to deliver quality care to all of there patients.

• Physical therapy involves individualized attention from healthcare professionals for long periods of time. In many cases, the therapeutic motion needs to be specific and repetitive.

• Soft robots leverage the use of soft materials in order to enhance user comfort and safety, as well as to broaden the usage of robotic devices in fields such as physical rehabilitation and remote care of patients. 

• The development of soft robotic devices, like exo-suits, could be used under remote supervision of a medical professional, and allow for more patients to receive better care. 

• A critical step in developing these actuators is understanding how different design parameters alter the output behavior. By characterizing how different parameters affect output displacement and force, it is possible to design an actuator to precisely meet necessary specifications with low pressure to ensure patient safety and efficient energy use.

• Data Science / AI / Robotics

  • "Three disciplines come together to create the technologies that will define the future."

  • Soft robotics is a relatively new field of robotics that emphasizes user safety and bringing care closer to patients, making their use more accessible. They also have the potential to be less expensive than rigid robots.

• Health

  • "Today more than ever, it’s clear that everything depends on our health."

  • By facilitating broader access to medical and therapeutic care, individuals are able to recover more effectively from injuries. Soft robotic devices can also augment an individuals ability to do daily tasks.

• Urban

  • "The world is changing, and it's clear we need to help drive that change"

  • In urban environments, the ability to navigate one's surroundings is incredibly important. Increasing access to rehabilitative or assistive care devices is an important step towards this, along with adapting urban infrastructure to make our communities more equitable.

• UN SDG 03: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• UN SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Reduce inequality within and among countries

• UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable