"Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted Lifting With an Active Knee Exoskeleton" published in IEEE ACCESS

Below-Knee Socket Designs : Where Biomechanics Meets Humanity Recently, while preparing for an interview, I came across something that reminded me why I love this field. It’s fascinating how much science, creativity, and empathy go into shaping something as “simple” as a prosthetic socket. The Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB) socket, for example, strategically applies pressure at specific areas to enhance stability and comfort. The Total Surface Bearing (TSB) design distributes pressure evenly across the residual limb, offering a more natural, cushioned fit. Then there’s the Hydrostatic design, which although I haven’t seen in use, uses fluid dynamics to improve suspension and reduce high-pressure zones. Each design represents a different philosophy of care but all share one goal: helping amputees move with comfort, confidence, and dignity. That’s what makes prosthetics so interesting to me. It’s not just about replacing what was lost; it’s about redesigning mobility through understanding, innovation, and heart. Photo credit: Physiopedia #Prosthetics #Orthotics #Rehabilitation #Transtibial #Innovation #Healthcare #EmpathyInEngineering

The forces at work within your body during a simple movement can be surprising. For example, the act of moving from sitting to standing. We naturally lean forward for momentum and efficiency. This diagram shows why. Maintaining an upright torso as shown here would demand excessive pull from your quadriceps. Instead, leaning forward reduces the pull forces while maintaining your balance. It also reduces the corresponding pressure on your knee joints. It underscores why body position and weight play such a crucial role in mobility, and why understanding biomechanics will help efforts to design for performance and to design for people inclusively. (This intentionally simple illustration was created for an upcoming presentation, part of an introduction to biomechanics.) https://lnkd.in/dYQyknmd #inclusivedesign  #productdesign  #industrialdesign #designforall  #accessibility  #biomechanics  #designeducation  #design

💡 How much weight is too much when it comes to carrying a backpack? From schoolchildren hauling books to soldiers carrying heavy gear in the field, we know that excessive load can contribute to fatigue, discomfort, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues. A recent study tackled this by using #Xsens motion capture to analyze the biomechanical effects of backpack loads. The research team turned to our Turkish partner sense4motion TR. To capture natural walking conditions, not in the lab, they used the Xsens Analyze motion capture system. The data provided insights into nuanced changes in posture, gait, and joint angles. Findings highlights: ✔️ Designing safer load-carrying equipment ✔️ Informing ergonomic guidelines for workers and students ✔️ Supporting rehabilitation programs where carrying weight is a factor This is a good example of how motion analysis can translate into real-world impact, by significantly reducing injury risk. 👉 Read the full case study here: https://bit.ly/42rIyuz

We were proud to develop this inside study with HTS BeSafe AS development team. HBM is a simulation tool that is meant to complement the current finite element #FEA studies, performed with our well correlated #Qdummy, in order to get more detailed biomechanical data that can be used to drive the design process to develop a safer and more comfortable product. The conclusion: "Rear-facing is the safest choice" has been proven by the simulation model but this is just the beginning of a new era of HBM assisted development.

BeSafe Leading the Way with Disruptive High-Tech Research 💥Our latest research is transforming the industry. By using advanced virtual testing with Human Body Models, we can now gain deeper insights into what truly happens during a crash—beyond anything traditional crash tests have revealed before. 🤰This breakthrough technology will help us design even safer products to protect children in the years ahead. 🗝️Key takeaway: Even at the age of 6, rear-facing travel provides significantly better protection for the brain, ribcage, neck, and abdomen. ⚠️That means that sitting rear facing till your child is 4 years old should be an absolute minimum! If you want to see the animations, you will find them here: https://lnkd.in/d4tZprd7 Please share with me if you have any thoughts on this subject. Okke van Mourik Daniele Speziani

🪶 The 250-gram rule: one of my favorite rules of thumb when thinking about exoskeleton design, biomechanics, or ergonomic assessment. 🏋🏻♂️ People often assume that adding a bit of mass—say, a couple of kilograms on the torso—just means carrying a small extra load all day. But that’s only part of the story. 🏗️ When someone bends forward, that added weight gets amplified due to cantilevered mass effects, rotational dynamics, and the principle of moments. Too much mass in the wrong place can create a significant biomechanical penalty. Every 250 grams added to the upper torso can offset roughly 1 Nm of torque assistance from an exo’s springs or motors. 💡 It’s a powerful reminder: when designing or assessing exos, weight and weight distribution both matter. #exoskeletons #exosuits #biomechanics

University of Michigan researchers have shown that a commercial robotic leg can improve mobility for both high- and low-mobility amputees. Working with Össur’s Power Knee, the team’s new control strategy produced more natural gait, reduced tripping risk, and lowered strain on the sound leg and hips. Even after minimal training, participants benefited—one called it the closest they’d felt to two-legged walking. With further development and real-world testing, such powered knees could help more prosthesis users move comfortably and safely. A promising sign that robotic prosthetics are moving from lab innovation to daily life. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eiPGR47Y

Just released: a deep dive into SWITCH's ergonomic benefits 🔬 Our latest article takes a closer look at how the hybrid pipette performed in lab-based ergonomic testing. SWITCH reduces physical strain and gives you the best of both worlds: manual precision and electronic efficiency in a single ergonomic design. Your body will thank you. 😉 In collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), we evaluated pipetting from a biomechanics perspective to ensure SWITCH meets the highest ergonomic standards in the industry. The result? A design that supports your hand, not works against it, even during long pipetting sessions. 🔍 Learn how SWITCH performed in our comparative ergonomic testing: https://lnkd.in/eArEjU2t #Ergonomics #MeetSWITCH #SWITCHpipette #SWITCH #HybridPipette #pipetting #INTEGRA #liquidhandling #ZHAW

Understanding the Magnitude Profile™ in Plate-Loaded Machines Not all resistance feels the same and there’s a reason for that. In plate-loaded machines, it’s not just how much weight you add, it’s where that load challenges you. As the plate rotates through its path, the horizontal distance from the pivot point changes, altering the torque required to move it. This shifting demand across the range of motion is known as the Magnitude Profile™, a concept introduced by Tom Purvis. It shows how resistance peaks and drops off during different parts of the rep. If you care about biomechanics, machine design, and how resistance really works, this is the kind of detail that matters. Because resistance should match your strength, for maximal training efficiency. #biomechanics #strengthtraining #machinemechanics #fitnesseducators #personaltrainers #exercisescience #GEDA2025

Technology is transforming prosthetics, offering more natural movement and flexibility for children. Horton’s incorporates cutting-edge sensor technology to create prosthetics that feel like an extension of the body, keeping kids confident and active. ✔️ Mimic natural motion. ✔️ Adapt to active lifestyles. ✔️ Enhance daily functionality. 💬 Learn how tech is transforming prosthetics: https://lnkd.in/gBWeVyJ3 #TechInProsthetics #LifeInMotion #HortonsInnovates