Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab

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What We Do

Our research focuses primarily on wearable technologies. This includes novel materials and sensors for electronic textiles (e-​textiles) or other wearables, as well as innovative computational methods for processing bio-​signals and monitoring biomarkers detected by our sensing technology. We aim to assist individuals to live healthier lives or to recover from neuromuscular/neurological conditions. We are designing the next generation of wearables for sports and personalized medicine.

Health-related Behaviour

We are working on an innovative technology to be the new building block of mobile health (mHealth). We conceive, design and engineer innovative biosensors and wearable solutions to monitor bio-signals and movements. We focus on the chemistry, materials, mechanics, electronics and computing aspects of this technology. We process the collected information to build models and to study health-related behaviour.
 

Canadian one-dollar coin and thirteen strain sensors that can be woven into fabric, to illustrate how small the sensors are
Biosensors can be small and integrated into fabric, making them easy to wear. The photos depict tiny strain sensors and their use. Above, a Canadian one-dollar coin with thirteen strain sensors next to it shows just how small these sensors can be. Images credits: Carlo Menon
mannequin wearing black leggings with various metal sensors and wires attached onto multiple locations along the left leg, with close-ups showing strain sensors sewn into the fabric
Leggings with sensors and wires; close-up of strain sensors sewn into the fabric.

Sample Publications:

Brain, Science and Technology

We would like to create innovative technologies to address the following questions, and more:

  • How is it best to interact with the human brain?
  • How could we improve intellectual and motor functions?
  • How do we best assist individuals with neurological and neuromotor conditions to recover?
  • How could we help individuals with impairments in their daily lives?
A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the human brain. Credit:  ETH Zurich / Prof Peter Bösiger
A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the human brain. Credit: ETH Zurich / Prof Peter Bösiger

Sample publications:

Some Past Projects

Force Myography (FMG)

FMG is a new approach to monitoring muscle contractions and movements. There is currently a external pagemultisite randomized clinical trial assessing technology we developed to assist individuals in recovering after stroke. Image credit: Carlo Menon

Sample publications:

  1. external pageExploration of Force Myography and surface Electromyography in Hand Gesture Classification
  2. external pageForce Myography to Control Robotic Upper Extremity Prostheses: A Feasibility Study
  3. external pageTowards the development of a wearable feedback system for monitoring the activities of the upper-extremities

Electroactive Polymers

In the past, we focused on dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) and explored their potential in a variety of different applications. Images credits: Carlo Menon

Sample Publications

  1. external pageOn the Electrical Safety of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators in Proximity to the Human Body
  2. external pageTowards the Development of Active Compression bandages Using Dielectric Elastomer Actuators
  3. external pageElectroactive elastomeric actuator for all-polymer linear peristaltic pumps

Geckoadhesion

We developed adhesives inspired by the mechanics of the gecko’s toe pads. We focused primarily on new fabrication methods as well as ways to improve the adhesives' functional performance. Image credit: ETH Zurich / Carlo Menon

Sample Publications

  1. external pageMagnetic field switchable dry adhesives
  2. external pageElectro-Dry-Adhesion
  3. external pageDeep UV Patterning of Acrylic Masters for Molding Biomimetic Dry Adhesives

Soft Robotics

In his early academic days, Professor Menon developed soft actuators, sensors and robots. This topic fascinates him and he might return to it in his future research projects at ETH Zurich.
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Sample Publications

  1. external pageA Soft-Touch Gripper for Grasping Delicate Objects
  2. external pageA spatial bending fluidic actuator: fabrication and quasi-static characteristics
  3. external pageActive articulation for future space applications inspired by the hydraulic system of spiders
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