(1) Variable Stiffness Endoscopic Mechanism utilizing Phase Changeable Materials & Thermoelectric Modules
The variable stiffness mechanisms are required when applications have to change its stiffness to conform its shape or behavior to a surrounded environment. We are developing functional materials, bioinspired design, and efficient actuation for the change of stiffness.
In 2021, we starts a project on "Variable stiffness endoscope utilizing low temperature phase transition materials and flexible thermoelectric module". If you have an interest on this topic, please contact us.
(2) Smart Clothes for Healthcare and Physical Augmentation
To assist physical activity of not only patients and elders but also healthy people, we are developing smart clothes based on soft wearable technologies including variable stiffness mechanism, ergonomic analysis, user-friendly design.
From 2021 to 2023, we have progressed a project on "Wearable body supporting device to release musculoskeletal stress of surgeons during long hours surgical operation". In 2024, we introduced an assistive exosuit for alleviating neck and shoulder muscle fatigue during prolonged flexed neck posture.
