Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
The research activities within the Biomechanical Engineering Department (
www.bmeche.tudelft.nl) are carried out on a world-class international level, focusing on a range of topics spanning medical instruments and safety, neuromuscular control, human-machine interaction, bio-inspired robotics, tissue biomechanics and biomaterials.
The STW-funded NeuroCIMT program (
www.neurocimt.nl) creates an enabling technology platform for systems that integrate precision diagnostics with individualized treatment in patients with neurological diseases and sensory impairments. Eight interrelated projects add to the core of NeuroCIMT in developing advanced neurostimulation technology (cochlear implants, pain diagnosis and motor relearning), real-time biofeedback technology (for reducing spasticity, controlling blood pressure and improving daily activities), and assistive devices (to compensate for spasticity and contractures).
The Biomechatronics and Human-Machine Interaction Chair, led by Prof. Frans C.T. van der Helm, is internationally recognized as one of the world leaders in the field of neuromuscular control. The Chair develops fundamentally new concepts of neuromuscular control, involving large-scale musculoskeletal models like the shoulder, elbow and hand, and recordings of the reflexive feedback and reflex modulation. Applications are in neuro-rehabilitation, automotive engineering, tele-manipulation, upper extremity prosthetics and aerospace engineering.