Austrian research institute looking for partners in the field of neurorehabilitation using artificial environments like virtual reality, augmented reality and robots

Short summary An Austrian research centre with expertise in stroke and vascular ageing neurorehabilitation - using virtual/augmented reality, robots and neuroimaging techniques - was recently created. The centre uses innovative approaches for an adapted and efficient improvement of patients' quality of life via neurocomputational modelling. The centre has connections to clinics and is now looking for private and public partners to collaborate on new technologies under a research and/or technical agreement.

Full description The Austrian research centre on stroke and vascular ageing is funded by a national program to transfer scientific results into industrial applications. With scientific shareholders, the centre is a national competence centre in the field of stroke diagnosis, prevention and neurorehabilitation. The research centre's neurorehabilitation division and research group was recently set up and aims to improve the quality of life of patients with neurological conditions (stroke, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impaired patients, etc) via latest technological innovative tools like virtual/augmented reality and/or robots in combination with brain electrical and metabolic activity (electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy). The research centre's neurorehabilitation division has expertise in neuroscience, robotics, virtual/augmented reality, signal recording, processing and analysis, machine-learning, and speech therapy. Interested in fundamental and translational research, the division is looking to collaborate with scientific partners to apply for national, international and industrial projects for advanced R&D in this field. As a long-term goal, the consortium intends to produce and sell jointly-developed products as a medical device.

Advantages and innovations Research outcomes validate the combination of virtual/augmented reality with neurodynamic techniques (electroencephalography and/or functional near-infrared spectroscopy). Compared to the conventional methods used in neurorehabilitation, the research centre's approach ensures the best recovery of neurological functions after disease by maximizing everyday life reorganization of patients. Advantages, from a patient's point of view, are therefore increased accessibility of rehabilitation at home or even remote areas, as well as a higher degree of comfort and autonomy. As such, the overall objective is to improve the quality of life of neurological patients, which in turn will improve the quality of life of their families and the quality of life of the society at large.

Technical Specification or Expertise Sought The research centre is now looking for partners from the public or private sector with interest in fundamental and translational research and expertise in neuroscience, neurorehabilitation and artificial environments (like virtual/augmented reality or robots) to collaborate on new technologies under a research and/or technical agreement.
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)