Eureka!

Project:

The team's idea is to develop medical simulators that provide a practical, sustainable, and ethical alternative to animal and patient testing. 

By utilising 3D printing and patent-pending materials, the team created specialised mannequins that closely replicate human tissue, offering realistic environments for healthcare professionals to test surgical techniques. The simulators are cost-effective, multi-use, and versatile, making them accessible to medical institutions for a variety of applications, even at a low budget.   

The models are designed to facilitate and catalyse the teaching of new medical professionals without relying on patients. They are not just tools for learning; they are platforms for testing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare, ensuring safety before these innovations are used in real surgical settings. The approach focuses on offering solutions that align with the evolving ethical landscape in medicine. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to refine their skills and improve patient care, all while safeguarding ethical practices in the field.  

Project:

This project focuses on the design and development of a low-cost, mechanically operated prosthetic hand tailored for cast net fishing - a traditional technique widely used in Sri Lanka and other low- and middle-income countries. It was developed specifically for individuals who have lost a hand, particularly those affected by crocodile attacks in Sri Lankan fishing communities.

The solution is rooted in an understanding of the physical demands of cast net fishing and the socioeconomic limitations faced by users. The prosthetic employs a split-hook mechanism that mimics the gripping function of the hand using elastic bands to close the hook and a mechanical locking system to hold position when opened. A key novelty lies in integrating features from body-powered prosthetics, such as adjustable articulation and band-powered closing, into a fully passive system, eliminating the need for cables or electronics. This makes it more accessible, repairable, and affordable than electric or myoelectric alternatives, which are generally unsuitable for rural or resource-limited contexts due to cost and complexity.  

Unlike most upper-limb prosthetics designed for general use or cosmetic appearance, this device is task-specific: engineered to perform the precise motions needed to manipulate, throw, and retrieve a cast net. It includes features such as a locking pawl, a top-hook push-to-open tip, and a manually operable release lever, supporting single-handed use in marine environments. 

Project:

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting over 15 million people globally each year. In the UK alone, approximately 100,000 people experience a stroke annually, with over 85% of survivors experiencing impaired upper limb function - severely limiting independence in Activities of Daily Living.  

Soft ExoGlove is a lightweight, tendon-driven soft hand exoskeleton designed to assist stroke survivors in regaining hand function. Unlike rigid assistive devices, our glove uses flexible materials and incorporates multimodal control - including vision, speech, and manual input - making it accessible for users with varying levels of motor and cognitive function.  

The team has developed a first-generation prototype and validated its grasping performance with healthy users (91% success rate). To ensure user-centered development, they held Patient and Public Involvement sessions with stroke survivors, gathering valuable feedback on usability, comfort, and interaction needs. Based on this input, the team are now developing an improved version with enhanced adaptability, ergonomics, and simplified control.  Soft ExoGlove aims to address a critical gap in home-based rehabilitation, offering an affordable and practical solution to reduce therapist dependency and support long-term functional recovery. The system is designed to empower users in performing everyday tasks independently, improving autonomy and quality of life.