Blog 2

          We recently visited the University of Pittsburgh's QoLT laboratories in Bakery Square.  These labs focus on the engineering of prosthetic limbs.  Dr. Brewer explained to us how many prosthetics work and where certain types would be more effective.  For example, babies and toddlers do not need a complicated mechanism, they really only need that allows them to perform basic functions like walking and eating, but some others need advanced prosthetics to perform their daily activities.

          I really enjoyed seeing the robotic aids that they were working on at their lab.  The researchers have really worked hard to not only make a robot that will help the owner, but also one that is easy enough to use that the owner would actually use it.  For example, Dr. Brewer was working on a robotic arm that can be used to assist those who either lost a limb or they have one that does not function to the highest ability, such as one in a stroke victim.  Dr. Brewer and her team made a “skin” for the robotic arm that knew when it was being touched.  When one grabs the arm, the skin recognizes it and becomes nearly weightless so that the user can easily place it where needed.  Innovations such as these show that the researchers are getting down to a personal level; they recognize that they must adapt the technologies to peoples everyday lives.  I really appreciate the researchers’ efforts and their innovations on such fascinating technology.