This YEar's projectS
THE LIFTING-ASSISTIVE DEVICE (LAD)
This year, the LAD team dove into implementing the feedback we received in previous semesters to improve and finalize our design of the Lifting Assistive Device.
Mechanically, we switched from a drawbridge mechanism to a geared actuator to improve torque and eliminate the awkward pulley string. We also developed a backpack-like strap system to improve comfortability for longer periods of use.
On the electrical/firmware side, we focused on improving the device's power and safety features. We upgraded the motor driver and battery to increase the motor's torque. We also implemented current sensing and software-based rotation limits to prevent harm to the user while using the LAD.
We presented our progress at our end-of-semester design review and the Engineering Expo, where we received great feedback to improve the LAD. We are very proud of what our organization accomplished this semester and our 3rd-place finish at the Engineering Expo!
The LAD
Spring 2026
The MyoPro Orthosis
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Building on the FES team's work from the 2024-25 year, we shifted from design and planning to physical prototyping. The team was hard at work creating last year's design, while continuing hardware and software development of a new and improved prototype.
The most notable change to this year's design was adding an IMU for motion detection on the device, so the patient can use their phone while walking instead of having it strapped to their leg. On the software side of things, the team improved the user interface of the app, implemented a calibration mode, and achieved bluetooth communication with the physical device. Electrically, we switched from a constant voltage to a constant current design with overcurrent protection, improving the safety of the device.
Following feedback we received from our semesterly design reviews, the next steps of this project are to test and optimize the pulse characteristics of the electrical stimulation, implement a database and authentication for user accounts/preferences, and develop a 3D printed enclosure for the FES electronics and electrodes.
Stim Board PCBs for Electrical Pulses
Spring 2026
Bioness L300
