‘assistive technology’
National Biomechanics Day draws 370+ visitors to assistive tech labs
Apr. 15, 2019—The Vanderbilt group organizing National Biomechanics Day event this year added video scripting and production to its skillset. The group of graduate students and undergraduates spent three months planning demonstrations, contacting schools and creating their two-minute promotional video, which won the award from the International Society for Biomechanics for the most retweeted video. The video, “Biomechanics...
New low-profile ankle exoskeleton fits under clothes for potential broad adoption
Mar. 21, 2019—A new lightweight, low-profile and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton could be widely used among elderly people, those with impaired lower-leg muscle strength and workers whose jobs require substantial walking or running. Developed by Vanderbilt mechanical engineers, the device is believed to be the first ankle exoskeleton that could be worn under clothes without restricting motion. It...
Vanderbilt makeathon helps Hawaii youngster create custom guitar pick holder
Jan. 23, 2019—Tikkun Olam Makers complete 14 design projects in 48 hours Linden strummed a guitar in the lobby of the Engineering and Science Building. The prototype of a custom guitar pick holder for his finger worked great. Zion whirled his wheelchair and kicked a round rugby ball to his TOM teammates in the ESB lobby. His...
Weekend inventors will build tech for people with disabilities
Jan. 18, 2019—Tikkun Olam Makers at Vanderbilt to host 48-hour makeathon starting today Teams of makers will race the clock this weekend to create innovative solutions to the problems facing those living with disabilities in Nashville and beyond. Beginning Friday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m., 14 teams will have 48 hours to “make a difference” as part...
CREATE labs recognized for impact of National Biomechanics Day event
Jun. 28, 2018—For the second year, the School of Engineering’s biomechanics and assistive rehabilitation labs have received top honors for an event that introduces young students to a dynamic field that includes exoskeletons, sports and prosthetics. Vanderbilt had one of three events recognized for “Greatest Impact” among the 150 held across the globe to mark National Biomechanics...
Smart prosthetic ankle moves with user over rough terrain
Jun. 26, 2018—It’s virtually impossible to know Mike Sasser’s left leg is a prosthetic one – after a decade of practice, he moves surely and swiftly through his busy days as a consultant and father. But when Sasser encounters uneven ground or a flight of stairs, he focuses very hard on balance, because that’s when using a...
Class of 2018 Profile: Josh Fleck, ME major, empowers people with disabilities
May. 7, 2018—a high school student in Bradenton, Florida, Josh Fleck knew he wanted to research and develop robotic prosthetic devices. At the time, however, he had no concept of what that research looked like. He’s more than resolved the mystery. Fleck, a mechanical engineering major, has spent the past three years working with Vanderbilt Assistant Professor Karl Zelik...
Autism & Innovation center to help people with ASD find meaningful work
Oct. 16, 2017—A new Vanderbilt center that includes the dean of the School of Engineering aims to create a model pipeline to assist adults on the autism spectrum find meaningful and gainful employment while enhancing local business innovation. The Center for Autism & Innovation (VCAI) brings together academic researchers, educators, employers, philanthropists and community organizers to address one of...