21-COP-0019_European network for 3D printing of biomimetic mechatronic systems
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca ·Romania
About this project
<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", sans-serif"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri", sans-serif">The evolution of the paradigm of modern bio-mechatronics can be seen in two main directions: increasing the performance and miniaturization of the hardware platform and increasing the intelligence of the integrated systems. Based on the experience and expertise gained in the field of bio-mechatronics and 3D printing within previous research and institutional EU projects led by the University of Agder of Norway (UiA) , Technical University of Cluj-Napoca , Politehnica University of Bucharest , Poznan University of Technology (Poland) , it has been identified one new direction for continuing the research, but also to boost the scientific excellence in teaching in the field of conceiving and realizing of new types of biomimetic mechatronic systems for people with special needs (e.g. with amputated arms). In consequence, 8 course modules will be realized for providing the necessary knowledge for materializing of the biomimetic mechatronic systems in concordance with the curriculum, followed by the conceiving of one e-toolkit manual that is aimed to expand the knowledge gained from the theoretical point of view at courses to the practical level of building biomimetic mechatronic systems to be used for teaching purposes. Sharing of experience and expertise in the field of e-health, artificial intelligence, mechatronics through the events organized at the University of Agder will be really valuable since many examples of good practice in teaching and research observed at UiA will be aimed to be scaled up and implemented at the Higher Education Institutions in Romania and Poland as primary beneficiaries of the EMERALD project, but the involvement of professors and students in pilot studies that are focusing on assessing the impact of the VR/AR content in this context will be significantly important also in the case of UiA, since the possibility of adopting virtual reality or augmented reality in the learning process is one top key priority of this institution in the future.</span></em></span></span></p>
Bilateral cooperation results
In the EMERALD project, having University of Agder (UiA) from Grimstad, Norway, as donor partner was highly important for all partners involved in this project.The experience & expertise they brought in the bio-mechatronics domain enriched the knowledge level of the whole consortium, especially during the events (international summer schools) that were organized at UiA in 2022 & 2023. Attendees coming from the consortium, both professors & students got very consistent experience on a highly advanced academic environment, having the chance to get familiarized with the tools & teaching methods that are being used at the UiA. Beneficiary states, including Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (TUCN), University Politehnica Bucharest (UPB), Poznan University of Technology (PUT) & Bizzcom s.r.o. company in Slovakia, have utilized this collaboration to realize at their home institutions important updates concerning the content of several disciplines that are being delivered to students of different specializations like Mechatronics, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, etc. Collaborative efforts at the level of whole consortium has been put also on low-cost robotic arms, orthoses & prostheses that have been realized during the organized events at UiA for people with special needs (amputated arms). PUT has contributed in bringing very specific case studies of real patients with amputated arms, TUCN has contributed through CAD/CAE analyses, UPB provided expertise in material selection & BIZZCOM & PUT have been working on VR/AR/ Mixed reality applications related to this topic. Parts have been finally produced by 3D printing jointly by TUCN, PUT, UPB & UiA. Dissemination of these case studies were revealed at multiplier events that were organized within the EMERALD project, new partnership agreements being signed with industrial companies that are interested in continuing to invest in this direction in the future.
Project partners
- The University of Agder Donor project partner· Norway
- University Politehnica Bucharest Project partner· Romania
- Bizzcom s.r.o. Project partner· Slovakia
- Poznan University of Technology Project partner· Poland