ETH Competence Center - Competence Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Science (RESC)

Open Opportunities

Quantization of Body Movements in Rhythmic Movement Disorder Patients using Body-Worn IMUs ETH Zurich Sensory-Motor Systems Lab Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is a condition characterized by repetitive movements, such as rocking or head-banging, that typically occur during sleep or drowsiness. These movements can cause significant disruptions to sleep, as well as physical injuries. Conventional treatments for RMD include behavioral therapy, medications, and improving sleep hygiene. Novel treatment approaches also suggest the use of stimulus substitution, e.g., from a hammock or rocking bed such as the Somnomat Casa (developed at the Sensory-Motor Systems Lab). Despite the prevalence and impact of RMD, there is currently a lack of research on effective methods for quantifying and monitoring the severity of the disorder. In this project, we want to develop and validate a system for quantifying RMD movements using one or more body-mounted IMU sensors. The goal is to provide a reliable and objective measure of RMD episodes, which can be used to quantify the disorder and monitor the effectiveness of potential treatments. Biosensor Technologies, Clinical Engineering, Engineering/Technology Instrumentation, Paediatrics, Rehabilitation Engineering, Sensory Systems, Therapies and Therapeutic Technology Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Design and development of a testbench for a robotic bed ETH Zurich Sensory-Motor Systems Lab Vestibular stimulation induced by rocking beds has been shown to improve sleep architecture and sleep consolidation, shorten sleep onset time, and generate deeper sleep. However, due to the complexity of previous rocking beds, rocking was only applied in lab settings for a few nights only. The Somnomat Casa developed at our lab is a rocking bed for use in private home settings over long periods that provides translational vestibular stimulation in longitudinal direction. Our most recent Somnomat Casa is already very smooth and comfortable to use. However, we still see potential in improving the actuation of the bed. To arrive at an optimal motor choice, we now want to encapsulate the actuation unit of the bed and compare different motors using various metrics. The goal of this project is the design and development of a simple testbench that accepts a motor + gear + clutch configuration and records metrics on applied torques, current consumption, smoothness of the motion, noise emission, torque response on dynamic loads, etc. CAD/CAM Systems, Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering/Technology Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics, Safety and Quality Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Mechanical design of end-effector for installation of "shingles" structures ETH Zurich Robotic Systems Lab The goal of this project is to design an end-effector that would allow the quadrupedal robot ALMA to assemble wooden shingle envelopes. An end-effector prototype is already available, but it should be optimized to enable its integration on a mobile manipulator. Engineering and Technology Semester Project

Virtual avatar for home therapy: investigating the effect of the visual rendering on motor response ETH Zurich Rehabilitation Engineering Lab Our lab is developing an avatar for motion guidance during post-stroke home therapy. This project aims at investigating the impact of the visual rendering of the avatar, on the motor response of the subjects. Biomechanical Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

DELTA - low-cost, mobile movement analysis for rehabilitation ETH Zurich Rehabilitation Engineering Lab The project can be conducted exclusively at cefir (please visit cereneo.foundation for further information) or in collaboration with ETH ReLab, depending on your project requirements. Artificial Intelligence and Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Sciences, Human Movement and Sports Science, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Neurosciences Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Development and evaluation of an assessment and therapy device for foot peripheral neuropathy ETH Zurich Rehabilitation Engineering Lab Peripheral neuropathy affects approximately 2% of the population (e.g. linked to diabetes, MS, chemotherapy, antibiotics…), resulting in motor and somatosensory impairments and pain (numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing) in peripheral body segments, primarily the feet. Sensory stimulation and mechanical mobilization of the foot/toes have been shown to positively affect pain and balance in peripheral neuropathy. The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab at ETH has pioneered technology for the assessment and therapy of somatosensory hand function, applied in stroke, CP and MS. The goal of this project is to transfer and validate this technology in foot peripheral neuropathy. Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences Master Thesis, Semester Project

Optimal Heart Rate Detection using a Smartphone ETH Zurich Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab We aim to develop a machine learning model for accelerometer and camera data collected from a user’s smartphone that can identify the user’s heart rate. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis

Fall detection using a smartphone ETH Zurich Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab We aim to develop an Android-based app that utilizes a developed machine learning model and accelerometer data collected via the user’s smartphone for fall detection. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis

Identifying sleeping patterns in short- and long-sleepers using a wearable device ETH Zurich Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab The project aims to develop an affordable wearable system that collects electroencephalograms (EEG) and electrocardiograms (ECG) to identify EEG and ECG features associated with short and long sleepers in a real-world environment. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis

Detection of Cardiac Waves using a Smartphone ETH Zurich Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab We aim to develop a machine-learning model that assesses heart activity and extract cardiac signal from a smartphone camera. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis