​​​Research Interests

Biomechanics, wearable robotics, and sustainability

 

Research Approac​h

We integrate theory and experiment work, as we feel it is very important to validate theory with experimental work. We use tools such as modeling, simulation, optimizations, and statistics.

 

Current Projects

  1. Optimization-based design of the workspace using digital human modeling. Biomechanical workload/Ergonomics agriculture
    This project integrates knowledge of biomechanical loads with tools from the field of industrial engineering to reduce the physical load on the worker. To develop this new concept, we base our design methodology on digital human modeling and optimization,     taking into account both production and biomechanics measures.​

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  2. Human locomotion energetic
    When we walk or run, the mechanical work performed at the lower-limb joints is shared by both muscles and tendons. These dynamic muscle-tendon interactions make it difficult to relate muscle force and work production to the metabolic cost of locomotion. Thus, this project aims to do the following: 1) contribute to a muscle-level understanding of the relationship between the mechanics and the metabolic cost of locomotion; (2) provide data to drive more complex computer models of human locomotion; and (3) lead to better designs of wearable robots (e.g. prostheses and exoskeletons).    ​

  3. Biomechanical energy harvesting
    The increasing use of portable electronics, such as mobile phones, prostheses and laptops, has led researchers to investigate mechanisms for generating electricity by using human body motion. Several biomechanical energy harvesting devices have been developed, but the devices’ underlying mechanisms and their optimal design are not yet fully understood. Our overall aim is to enhance this understanding.    ​

  4. Modeling exoskeleton-human interactions
    There is insufficient knowledge about how different parameters of exoskeletons affect the human user. An understanding of these interactions is critical for the design of exoskeletons since the design must consider several interconnected parameters (actuator type, gear ratio, etc.). Since these components critically influence one another, the design procedure is by no means a trivial task. Thus, we aim to develop a method – based on theoretical and empirical models – for designing a functioning exoskeleton by using a mathematical model to represent the following elements: the device, the human using the device, and the device–human interactions    ​

    Exoskeleton.jpg​

  5. Rehabilitation, human motion diagnostics and corrections of pathology
    These two projects have the following aims. Project 1 aims to develop parameters to quantify gait stability, and is performed by applying perturbation during walking and measuring its effect on the human. This project is led by Dr. Itzik Melzer of the Physical Therapy Department at Ben-Gurion University. In project 2, we monitor muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics using Near Infra-Red spectroscopy (NIRS), attempting to capture for the first time the hemodynamic portion of spastic muscle function. NIRS technology provides a continuous and non-invasive method. This project is led by Dr. Simona Bar-Haim of the Physical Therapy Department at Ben-Gurion University.    ​

  6. Optimizing urban metabolism – developing a decision-making tool
    If we keep at the current rate, humanity's carbon dioxide emission budget - the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted to the atmosphere before the average temperature on Earth rises by more than 1.5 degrees - is going to be used up within eight years. Unfortunately, the ability and willingness of local authorities and urbanites to take action to significantly reduce the negative biophysical urban impact is limited. Choosing the right measures requires considering their potential contribution to reducing environmental impact as well as their potential for implementation given social, economic and political circumstances. In this project,​ we model both the metabolism of Tel-Aviv and Israel and the possible steps for reducing environmental impact as an optimization problem that takes all these limiting factors into consideration​.