This January sees the launch of a large-scale research programme into corrective orthoses that automatically adapt to the (changing) characteristics and needs of the user. Orthoses support bodily functions, helping the user raising their arm, for instance, or moving their leg. Professor Bart Koopman affiliated with the University of Twente's Faculty of Engineering Technology and MIRA research institute, is in charge of the programme, which is a joint undertaking of six universities, sixteen companies and five patient organizations.
More and more physically impaired people are now relying on an aid to support them in their daily lives. Examples of these aids include arm support devices that enable people suffering from a muscle disorder to use their arms, and special shoes for children suffering from clubfoot. The currently prevalent notion in medicine is that the user should adapt to the available aid. This line of thinking has been turned around for this new research programme starting in January. University of Twente's Professor Bart Koopman explains: "We believe it's important that the aid can automatically adapt to changing circumstances, such as a disorder or disease getting worse, a change of functionality or a new environment."
Patient organizations
One reason this project is different to others is the fact that patient organizations are very closely involved with the research, as co-initiators and backers. Professor Koopman: "Working together with patient organizations is extremely valuable to the project. We may not be able to cure people with a muscle disorder with our technology, but we can help them be less dependent on others and support them in prolonging their independent lives. And in doing so, we help improve their quality of life."
The technology will initially be developed for people with, for example, a muscle disorder, but can also be used for other purposes. Professor Koopman: "This arm support, for instance, turns out to also be of great help to a surgeon performing a long surgery. Long surgeries are heavy on the arms. Special arm supports can provide some relief."
Available
The research programme starts in January, but it will take many years before the technology will be actually available. Professor Koopman: "The next few years will be used to conduct research and develop prototypes. The technology is currently still in its experimental stage."
Company and STW funding
Koopman's research project is part of the "STW - Perspective for the Top Sectors" financial instrument. What makes this instrument so special is that the business sector makes an important financial contribution. The Dutch Technology Foundation STW provides 14.5 million euros in total and the business sector a record figure of 5.3 million euros. Never before has the Dutch Technology Foundation STW managed to obtain this large a contribution from the 'user side'.
In total, six universities, sixteen companies and five patient organizations are involved in the project. Apart from the University of Twente, these are: Radboud UMC, VU Medical Center, TU Delft, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Maastricht University, Focal, Festo, Intespring, Hocoma, Hankamp Rehab, Roessingh, Moog, Baat Medical, Maastricht Instruments, Orthin, Xsens, TMSi, Adelante, Pontes, Dr. Comfort, VTEC, Duchenne Parent Project, Stichting FSHD, Dwarslaesie Organisatie Nederland, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy en Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne.
