Two Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) faculty members will receive grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to carry out world-class research that will help solve real-world problems.
Dr. Veronika Magdanz: Professor, Systems Design Engineering awarded $80,000
Imaging System for the Development of Medical Microrobots
Magdanz’s research aims to develop a wireless magnetic microrobots for specific medical applications. Specifically, the research goal is to achieve active, targeted drug and cell delivery, as well as minimal invasive surgery with the help of biohybrid and biomimicking flexible robots. The main benefits of such biohybrid and bioinspired robots include remote controlled, tetherless action and adaptability to physiological environments.
This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize medical applications by offering a highly targeted, action with less side effects. The main tasks in this project towards this long-term goal include the development and testing of the medical microrobots in a lab environment regarding their biocompatibility, structural integrity, precision control in 3D and therapeutic action. The requested system provides a platform for these in depth biological and micro robotic studies and will help validate the microrobots for their potential medical purpose.
Dr. Cosmin Munteanu: Professor, Systems Design Engineering awarded $80,000
Emerging Natural Interactive Technologies to Support Older Adults' Social Connections and Digital Inclusion
Emerging technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) or Voice Interfaces, have the potential to support older adults’ social interactions through natural and immersive experiences. Yet, these are largely not designed for, nor with, older adults. New approaches are needed to ensure novel technology does not marginalize older adults and further their social isolation. Munteanu’s research proposes codesign methods for socially connecting voice-enabled VR experiences that give older adults ownership over the design process and empower them as content creators.