Laboratory

Labour science

Occupational science is concerned with the interaction and role of people and other components (e.g. tools, workplace) in work systems. Against this background, the professorship conducts research into the interaction between people, activity and technology (especially exoskeletons) to analyse and design sustainable workplaces in order to improve the well-being of people in work systems.

Movement sciences

We try to view the phenomenon of human movement comprehensively as a neurophysiological and biomechanical process, starting in the central nervous system and ending with the end product of the coordinated execution of complex movement tasks.
In the context of human-machine interaction, we are particularly interested in the effects of external force influences (such as technical support systems) on movement as well as on the underlying anatomical structures and physiological processes.

Electrical engineering

The various fields of electrical engineering and electronics play a key role in the design of complex support systems.
The continuously increasing performance of electromechanical drives and advances in sensor technology form the basis for the development of exoskeletal systems.
By using electronic sensors and power electronics, intelligent systems can be created that exhibit the desired system behaviour and thus enable harmonious human-machine interaction.

Computer Science

Several sub-areas from the broad spectrum of Computer Science are applied at our professorship. One focus is on embedded programming to make sensor data processing, control and communication of exoskeletons with users and other devices safe and efficient. In addition, various machine learning methods are being researched to enable smooth human-machine interaction.

Mechanical engineering

In order to fulfil the complex requirements of exoskeletons, knowledge from mechanics and dynamics, control engineering and the design of mechatronic systems must be combined and expanded. By optimising individual components as well as their assembly and production, lightweight, wearable systems can be developed that support their users with the right force/torque at the right time and in the right place.