2018 Emerging Technologies Conference

Barber Prosthetics Emerging Technologies Conference in Whistler

Brittany Pousett, Barber Prosthetics’ Research Prosthetist, had the honour of attending an “Advanced Prosthetics & Soft Robotics” workshop at the 2018 Emerging Technologies Conference held in Whistler earlier in May.  This workshop, put together by the Bionics@UBC ICICS Research Cluster, was organized by John Madden, Karen Cheung, Konrad Walus & Adam Fraser and brought together collaborators from all over the world. ICICS, the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems, created the Bionics@UBC Research Cluster to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration in 3D printing, soft robotics and bio-integration in order to create the bionic prostheses of the future.    

The workshop began with presentations from researchers all over the world presenting their work on prosthetic control systems, sensory feedback, soft robotics, neuroprostheses and bioprinting (the printing material that imitates biological tissue).  In the afternoon, Bionics@UBC facilitated an international interdisciplinary discussion on the opportunities and challenges surrounding designing the prostheses of the future. It was an excellent day filled with many fascinating conversations as we envisioned how each of our unique expertise can together create the future of prosthetics. We look forward to seeing what collaborations come out of this workshop and ultimately how these developments will impact the care we provide to our patients.  

Click here (http://bionics.ubc.ca) for more information on Bionics@UBC.