Who we are
The Living Robotics Laboratory is an interdisciplinary research laboratory within the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University.
We bring together researchers from Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science, and work in close collaboration with clinicians and physiotherapists to develop robotic and biomechatronic technologies that interact closely and naturally with the human body.
Our research lies at the intersection of robotics, biomechanics, neuroscience, control, and human–machine interaction, with a particular emphasis on technologies for rehabilitation, assistance, augmentation, and restoration of human motor function.
The laboratory is an active member of the AI, Data and Robotics Association (ADRA) and euRobotics.
What we do
At the Living Robotics Laboratory, we develop human-centered robotic and biomechatronic systems that sense, understand, and physically interact with people.
Our research spans the complete development cycle, from mechanical and mechatronic design, modeling, sensing, and control to real-time implementation, human–robot interaction, and experimental evaluation with human participants.
A central focus of our work is physical human–robot interaction (pHRI). We investigate how robotic systems can adapt their behavior to human motion, biomechanics, neuromuscular activity, physical capabilities, and changing levels of voluntary participation. Our goal is to achieve interaction that is safe, intuitive, adaptive, and biomechanically compatible with the human body.
Our main research areas
Rehabilitation and assistive robotics. Robotic systems for upper- and lower-limb motor rehabilitation, balance and gait-related training, and adaptive physical assistance.
Wearable robotics and robotic exoskeletons. Lightweight and body-compatible wearable mechanisms for rehabilitation, movement assistance, motor training, and human augmentation.
Advanced prosthetics. Anthropomorphic and adaptive prosthetic devices incorporating underactuated mechanisms, variable stiffness, neuromuscular interfaces, and human-inspired control principles.
Human–robot interaction and adaptive control. Physical human–robot interaction, impedance and admittance control, assist-as-needed strategies, biomechanical adaptation, and personalized robotic assistance.
Neuromuscular and biosignal-based interfaces. Human-intention and motor-state estimation using signals such as surface electromyography (sEMG), electroencephalography (EEG), motion, force, and other physiological and biomechanical measurements.
Haptics and multisensory human–machine interfaces. Haptic, vibrotactile, force, thermal, and multimodal feedback technologies for rehabilitation, prosthetics, teleoperation, and interaction with virtual environments.
Smart materials and variable-stiffness actuation. Novel actuation and transmission mechanisms based on smart materials, compliant structures, tendon-driven mechanisms, and variable-stiffness concepts for compact and wearable robotic systems.
Human motor performance and biomechanics. Quantitative assessment of human movement, motor performance, sensorimotor behavior, and human responses during interaction with robotic systems.
Our vision
Through these research directions, we aim to move beyond robots that simply execute predefined motions toward robotic systems that understand and adapt to the person with whom they interact.
Our long-term vision is to develop intelligent, wearable, adaptive, and clinically meaningful robotic technologies that become a natural extension of the human body.
Where we are based
Living Robotics Laboratory
School of Engineering and Natural Sciences · Istanbul Medipol University