Alexander Helal

Natural Resources Canada | NRCan · Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory

Aim: Assistive technologies traditionally rely on either powered actuation or passive structures to provide increased strength, support or the ability to perform specific functions. At one end of the spectrum are powered exoskeletons, which significantly increase a user’s strength, but require powerful actuators, complex control systems and heavy p...

Advancements in technologies and techniques within the dental industry have given rise to new and effective tooth replacement procedures for damages resulting from causes such as trauma or aging. While these treatments are widely available for patients, they remain highly expensive, preventing patients from much-needed dental care. The elevated cos...

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) have emerged as a strong contender for use in low-cost efficient actuators in multiple applications especially related to biomimetic and mobile-assistive devices. Dielectric elastomers (DE), a subcategory of these smart materials, have been of particular interest due to their large achievable deformation and favourable...

Research in the field of human mobility assistive devices, aiming to reduce the metabolic cost of daily activities, is seeing the benefits of the exclusive use of passive actuators to store and release energy during the gait cycle. Current devices commonly employ either mechanical springs or Pneumatic Artificial Muscles as the primary method of pas...