Accelerating Assistive Exoskeletons with Human-Centric Intelligent Learning
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Location: Edwin A. Stevens, Room 222
Speaker: Xianlian Alex Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Abstract
Exoskeletons can help people with mobility challenges, such as those caused by stroke or spinal cord injury, walk more easily and regain independence. However, designing these devices so they move naturally with each individual is difficult, time-consuming, and often requires extensive testing with users. In this talk, I will introduce a new approach that uses AI and reinforcement learning to teach exoskeletons how to assist movement by first training them in realistic computer simulations. This allows us to personalize how the exoskeleton supports each user before ever putting it on a person. I will show how this method can improve rehabilitation exoskeletons and then lightweight wearable devices that make walking, running, and climbing stairs easier and less tiring. Overall, this work aims to make assistive technologies easier to develop, more affordable, and better suited to the needs of people with mobility impairments.
Biography
Dr. Zhou is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the Director of the BioDynamics Lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, following his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Before joining NJIT, Dr. Zhou was a Principal Research Scientist at CFD Research Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama, where he led the Human Performance and Biodynamics group. At CFD Research, he served as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on more than 10 DoD-sponsored projects focused on warfighter performance and injury protection. At NJIT, Dr. Zhou’s current research focuses on biomechanics, wearable robotics, and personalized medicine. His recent work has been primarily supported by the NSF, NIDILRR (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research), NJ Health Foundation, U.S. Army, the DoD DHA (Defense Health Agency), and the CDC/NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
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