Humanoid Robotics, Exoskeletons and Artificial Intelligence
At KIT, we investigate the development and use of humanoid and companion robots, digital twins and devices, such as voice activated assistants, to transform the provision of health and care, from ambient assisted living and health monitoring to cognitive training and social engagement.
Enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning, these technologies are able to interact with and respond to people, adapting to their behavior, emotions and needs to optimally support their health and wellbeing. Artificial intelligence, for example, offers “incredible potential to change care”, but it is only as good as the data. Technological innovations, such as lowering the costs of diagnostics and treatments and allowing researchers to analyze more and better data, have the potential to lead to major improvements in human health. However, challenges persist in ensuring that technologies are affordable, made widely available, and are designed to meet the needs of populations.
Projects
Modeling and optimization of replacement structures (orthoses, prostheses, exoskeletons)
Energy efficiency of bipedal walking systems (Fidlin, Römer, ITM)
Modeling and simulation of lightweight materials for the musculoskeletal system (Kärger, FAST-LB / possibly other institutes of the KIT Lightweight Network)
Modeling and optimization of polymer and composite materials as well as the associated manufacturing processes for the production and adaptation of the replacement structures (e.g. additive manufacturing, injection molding) (Hanemann, Greiner)
Medical and rehabilitation robotics: surgical robotics; smart instruments; automation; prosthetics; exoskeleton
Wearables: ubiquitous computing; tactile feedback
Human-Machine Interaction in Healthcare: Augmented reality in medical technology
Extend exoskeletons and active prostheses with interfaces to robotics, control engineering and energy efficiency
