The PhD Program in Bioengineering Applied to Medical Sciences at the University of Messina is organizing a scientific seminar by Professor Tom Verstraten (Vrije Universiteit Brussel – VUB), entitled:
“Robotic lower-limb prostheses and exoskeletons: Challenges in Translating Research to the Real World”
The event will be held on May 19, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 665 (Block C – Floor 6) of the Department of Engineering at the University of Messina.
Tom Verstraten is a professor in the Robotics & Multibody Mechanics Research Group (R&MM) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and is currently one of the leading international researchers in the field of robotic prostheses, exoskeletons, and advanced assistive mechatronic systems. His research focuses on the mechatronic design of assistive technologies and collaborative robots, with a particular focus on energy-efficient actuators and physical human-machine interfaces.
The seminar will address the main challenges related to the transfer of research activities to real-world applications in the fields of advanced assistive technologies, collaborative robotics, and bioengineering.
The initiative is fully integrated into the Doctoral Program curriculum and is open to students, doctoral students, research fellows, researchers, and colleagues interested in bioengineering, robotics, and mechatronics.
📅 Date: May 19, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Room 665 (Block C – Floor 6), Department of Engineering – University of Messina
The event flyer is attached.