Current Projects
Project90's 90+ team members span across 8 different projects serving the needs of various communities.
Read about each project below!
Prosthetic Sensor Sock
Mobility Aid
Embedded Design
Wearable Tech
Project Description
The Prosthetic Sensor Sock is a thin, flexible material with built-in pressure sensors designed to be worn over a residual limb to provide real-time maps of pressure distribution. This information will enable clinicians to identify pressure points, and improve prosthetic fit, compared to the current manual process. The device will allow for individuals with residual limbs to find long-term comfort in their prosthetic devices. In collaboration with Cascade Prosthetics, the data will be visualized through an easy-to-use software interface for clinicians.
Partners:
Cascade Prosthetics, Calgary Sensor Lab
Scoliosis Brace Tension Sensor
Wearable Text
Biomechanics
Real-Time Data
Project Description
The Scoliosis Brace Sensor is a sleek and slim device that attaches to the buckles of a scoliosis brace to measure brace tension and wear time. This enables families and clinicians to understand real-time data and improve treatment. Through an easy-to-use app, both families and clinicians can determine if the scoliosis brace is being used effectively.
Partners:
Cascade Orthotics
Adaptive Swim Bench
Motor Cognition
Special Olympics
Biomechanics
Project Description
The Adaptive Swim Bench is a custom training tool designed for a special Olympics athlete. The device replicates swimming strokes on land promoting motor control, strength, and endurance. The Swim bench is made for a specific athlete making it accessible to diverse physical needs. Overall, this equipment is crucial in ensuring that a special Olympics athlete can enhance their athletic performance in a way that works for them!
Hip Abductor Machine
Physiotherapy
Biomechanics
Cerebral Palsy
Project Description
The Hip Abductor Machine is a custom exercise device designed for children with cerebral palsy, allowing them to strengthen the outer hip muscles. Cerebral palsy affect muscle tone, stiffness, tightness and results in an overall weakness of muscles. In particular, many children with CP face weak hip abductors which increases the risk of hip dislocation and movement of the femoral head. Strengthening these muscles has countless benefits from greater muscle tone, stability, pelvic alignment, and reduction in long-term complications. Furthermore, this supports better balance, and walking with aids. In collaboration with the volunteers at Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments (PONI) Labs and Ability Workshop, this equipment is custom designed to be accessible for various sizes of bodies and a wide range of motor abilities.
Partners:
Cascade Orthotics, Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments Lab
Leg Press Machine
Muscle Control
Cerebral Palsy
Kid-Friendly
Project Description
The Leg Press Machine is a custom exercise device designed for children with cerebral palsy. By attaching the device to a wheelchair, patients can push a weighted sled away from their body using their feet, effectively strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, while supporting the lower back. Children with cerebral palsy struggle with motor control in addition to having lower muscle tone. The symmetrical use of both legs, and guided movement improves neuromuscular coordination promoting proper alignment through the hip, knees and ankles. Overall, this weight-bearing movement improves bone density, joint development, and alignment to reduce fall risk. In collaboration with the Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments (PONI) Lab and Ability Workshop, this equipment is custom designed to be accessible for smaller bodies and a wide range of motor abilities.
Partners: Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments Lab
Pit Lining Materials Test
Muscle Control
Cerebral Palsy
Kid-Friendly
Project Description
The Concrete Pit project is developing an affordable, durable and low-maintenance concrete mixture for latrine pit linings in unstable soil regions. Working in collaboration with the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) and communities in Liberia, the durability of different concrete-cement mixtures are being tested. Through testing and further research, guidelines will be created to reduce pit collapse, extend lifespan, and to provide communities with durable sanitation solutions.
Partners: Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology
In-Series Biosand Filter
Water Filters
Public Health
Eco-Friendly
Project Description
The In-Series Biosand Filter is a water purification system designed for low-resource settings. Applying common materials including buckets and sand, the filter is being tested to improve pathogen (E. coli) removal and to reduce turbidity, offering cleaner and safer drinking water. We are working directly with communities in India to implement this solution according to their needs.
