Project Openings

1. Robotic Implants to Control Body Functions

Supervisor: Dr Dana Damian

Project Description

In this project we explore a new class of medical robots – robotic implants, which reside inside the body for the repair, reinforcement, and control of physical functions for a long period of time. We have developed an autonomous robot that addresses the reconstruction of the gastro-intestine by controlled force application to the tissue, providing direct impact on a number of clinical conditions, e.g., long-gap esophageal atresia or short bowel syndrome [1-4]. Following this challenge, we will further advance the platform and its control, in order to conduct extended surgical procedures. We will test these robots on artificial and biological tissues.

This research will take place in the Sheffield Biomedical Robotics Laboratory. More details about the projects that run in our laboratory and publications are at the link: https://sites.google.com/site/danadamian/research

Prospective Applicants

The project is interdisciplinary with a core focus on the robotics field. This gives you the opportunity to learn and develop technologies from diverse fields, such as engineering, bioengineering, biology and medicine. You will have a degree in Engineering and are skilled in design, control or system integration. If you have a degree in Medical Sciences and are interested in system integration and experimental research, you are also encouraged to apply.

References

[1] Damian D.D., Arabagi S., Fabozzo A., Ngo P., Jennings R., Manfredi M., and Dupont P. (2014) Robotic Implant to Apply Tissue Traction Forces in the Treatment of Esophageal Atresia, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), pp. 786-792

[2] Damian D.D., Arabagi S., and Dupont P. (2015) Design and testing of a robotic implant for esophageal atresia for in vivo animal experiments, Hamlyn Symposium, pp.73-74

[3] Shull P. and Damian D.D. (2015) Haptic Wearables as Sensory Replacement, Sensory Augmentation and Trainer for Sensory Impairments – A Review, Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 12:59

[4] Miyashita S., Guitron S., Yoshida K., Li S., Damian D.D., and Rus D. (2016) Ingestible, Controllable, and Degradable Origami Robot for Patching Stomach Wounds, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), pp. 909-916

2. Active wearables for efficient living

Supervisor: Dr Dana Damian

Project Description

There has been a surge in the use of wearables for sensing health indices such as blood pressure or body stress, to replace or augmenting physical capability [1-4]. Based on our experience in the fabrication of soft sensors and actuators, in this project, we aim to design, develop, and test advanced robotic wearables that increase the productivity and well-being of people at work, school or home.

This research will take place in the Sheffield Biomedical Robotics Laboratory. More details about the projects that run in our laboratory and publications are at the link: https://sites.google.com/site/danadamian/research

Prospective Applicants

The project is interdisciplinary with a core focus on the robotics field. This gives you the opportunity to learn and develop technologies from diverse fields, such as engineering, biology, medicine, and psychology. You will have a degree in Engineering and are skilled in design, control or system integration. If you have a degree in Medical Sciences or Psychology and are interested in experimental research and system integration, you are also encouraged to apply.

References

[1] Shull P. and Damian D.D. (2015) Haptic Wearables as Sensory Replacement, Sensory Augmentation and Trainer for Sensory Impairments – A Review, Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 12:59

[2] Damian D.D., Roberts P. (co-first author), Shan W., Lu T., and Majidi C. (2012) Soft-Matter Capacitive Sensor for Measuring Shear and Pressure Deformation, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), pp. 3514-3519

[3] Damian D.D., Ludersdorfer M., Kim Y., Hernandez-Arieta A., Pfeifer R., and Okamura A. (2012) Wearable Haptic Device for Cutaneous Force and Slip Feedback, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), pp 1038-1043

[4] Damian D.D., Hernandez-Arieta A., Martinez Salazar H.R., and Pfeifer R. (2012) Slip Speed Feedback for Grip Force Control, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 59:8, pp. 2200 – 2210