PDEng position in Robotics - Prototype(s) of a novel wheelchair mounted adjustable headsupport device

The Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) programme Robotics is very interesting for you. The PDEng programme is a 2-year post MSc technological programme with a focus on technological design. This programme at the University of Twente contains an educational part that will be followed at the University, and a design project that will be carried out at Focal Meditech BV. The educational programme will have an in-depth and broadening character with ample attention for professional development and will be partly tailored to the design project. In collaboration with Focal Meditech high level, creative and new designs for complex issues will be aimed at.
PDEng Design Project - Design and develop one or more prototypes of a novel wheelchair mounted adjustable head support device.
The head support device will comprise actual head supports parts functioning in close relation with the mechanism for (electronic actuated) adjustments of the head support as a whole.

Approach:
Design and development should be model based on the basis of kinematics of head, neck, shoulder and trunk as well as on common pathology of demanding users in this area. Early research should involve existing literature and models. Present mechanical and mechatronic head supports should be scrutinised as well as ongoing related work in the Symbionics programme.

The requirements for the prototype(s) should allow for a variety of body dimensions and head movements of its future users. Therefore study on the variance of head movements in various directions in the target user groups is an important part of this assignment.
The outcome of the previous research should be the generic specifications for the prototypes. With help of these specifications the project approach will be determined: a mechanical adjustment solution that is able to support the head of the future users, actuated mechanical solutions or an integrated mechatronic approach where sensors, actuators, controllers and mechanics are combined to meet the specifications. Important in this project is that the prototypes must fit as many users as possible with a minimum of mechanical adjustments.

Realisation
The candidate will work on all elements of this assignment. He/she is therefore expected to be an independent worker in the different fields. However support from the Focal R&D team in the realisation phase is available. The actual prototype(s) will be manufactured at the well- equipped Focal workshop.

Please send your letter of motivation, with a curriculum vitae, a list with grades of courses attended, references and, if applicable, a list of publications before 30-12-2015

Further details:
www.academictransfer.com