Mechatronic principles and techniques for measuring, assisting, augmenting, and mimicking biological systems. Topics include: brain machine interfaces, sensors and actuators, biomechanics and motion control, wearable and assistive devices, bioinstrumentation, soft robotic technologies, human factors, safety/ethical aspects, and biomechatronic design principles. Significant hands-on experience through the design, modelling, and development of paradigmatic biomechatronic systems.

Course Overview

Explores principles, methods, and techniques of Mechatronics for analyzing, modelling, designing, and controlling bioinspired robotic systems and biomechatronic systems.

Topics include:

• Introduction to Biomechatronics
• Biological Signals & Biosensors (e.g., EEG, EMG, ECG, Vision, Sound, and haptic sensors, etc.)
• Human Motion Analysis (e.g., gait kinematics and kinetics analysis)
• Bioinstrumentation (e.g., pneumatic muscles, IPMC, DEA, Hybrid actuators, etc.)
• Human Robot Interaction (e.g., human-robot interaction modelling, antagonistic configurations, direct force control, impedance and assist-as-needed control etc.)
• Biomechatronic Example #1 (e.g., rehabilitation robots and assistive devices, design optimization, Integration of biosensors and actuators, interfacing issues etc.)
• Biomechatronic Example #2 (e.g., biorobotic instrumentation, design, and analysis of soft-bodied robotics).