Human-Centered Optimization of Lower-Limb Exoskeletons
Abstract: Wearable robotic devices such as exoskeletons have the potential to make walking easier for individuals experiencing mobility decline. Their impact, however, is limited by how well these systems address the complex and dynamic factors that shape human movement. This talk will present research aimed at building more responsive systems for gait assistance, including (i) personalizing exoskeleton control to account for multiple movement objectives, (ii) characterizing how gait biomechanics change as people learn to walk with robotic assistance, and (iii) using biofeedback to accelerate this learning process. Together, these efforts point toward a future of assistive technologies that adapt alongside their users, improving the effectiveness and scalability of mobility care.
Biography: Ava Lakmazaheri will join WPI as an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Robotics Engineering in January 2027. She is currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Bioengineering at Harvard University, having received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Olin College of Engineering. Her research integrates biomechanics, robotics, and neuroscience to develop technologies that support mobility, with an emphasis on human-centered engineering approaches and translation to real-world applications.