[ADAMETA] Adaptive Graded-Stiffening Metamaterials for Wearable Fall-Prevention in Older Adults
Ente: European Commission
Scadenza: 2028-10-31
Importo max: 276.187,92 EUR
Paese: EU
Descrizione
ADAMETA (ADAptive assistive device based on mechanical METAmaterials) will develop the first entirely passive fall-prevention device by integrating shear-thickening (non-Newtonian) fluids into architected metamaterials. This project targets knee buckling—a primary cause of falls in older adults—by creating a wearable that autonomously stiffens at dangerous flexion rates through embodied intelligence, providing critical biomechanical support without motors or electronics. ADAMETA addresses a global health crisis, as falls cause over 680,000 deaths annually and cost the EU €25 billion, aiming to enable safer mobility and prolonged independence. To achieve this, the project will: (1) design and fabricate the fluid-integrated metamaterial; (2) embed flexible sensors for deformation monitoring; and (3) integrate the system into a functional wearable device tuned with anonymized biomechanical data.
Beyond its technical objectives, the fellowship will leverage my unique background in both mechanical metamaterials and flexible electronics to create a genuine two-way transfer of knowledge at the University of Oxford. I will bring my expertise in sensor integration to Prof. Forte's RADLab, while gaining advanced skills in fluid-structure metamaterials, rheology, and biomechanics. Scientifically, ADAMETA will establish fundamental design rules for embodied intelligence and a new class of adaptive metamaterials, with transferable principles for soft robotics and protective equipment. The project's impact will be maximized through a plan for dissemination, public engagement, and collaboration with Oxford University Innovation to assess intellectual property and translational opportunities. This fellowship will be the definitive step in my career, positioning me as a future research leader at the intersection of smart materials and healthcare technology, while strengthening Europe’s leadership in age-friendly innovation.
Settori: Adaptive metamaterials, graded-stiffness materials, shear-thickening fluids, embodied intelligence, soft robotics, capacitive sensors, biomechanics, wearable devices
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