Jochen Mueller (ETHZ 2020)

Next-​​Generation Prosthetics: Towards the end of disability via digital fabrication

Events like the Paralympic Games show how modern engineering can support disabled people by restoring or improving human performance yet uncover that even these technologically advanced solutions are far from ideal.

Prostheses are uncomfortable to wear, optimized for specific situations, inflexible to environmental changes, and inaccessible to most due to excessive cost. This is despite significant progress in related fields that could overcome many of these limitations.
In this project, we will adapt and improve existing technologies, innovate novel concepts, and translate the state-of-the-art to the fields of prosthetics. We will enhance the speed and capabilities of Additive Manufacturing to equip novel lightweight structures with multifunctionality, including sensing to gauge the environment, actuation for integrated motion and improved comfort, and adaptation to various loading conditions, such as walking and running.
In addition to improving prosthetics and bringing awareness to the public, we anticipate proximate research areas and applications to also benefit from this research, including exoskeletons and (soft) robotics.