Thesis Defense for David Saucier — 03/04/2020 at 9:30 AM
February 24, 2020
Dear Faculty, Graduate and Undergraduate Students,
You are cordially invited to my M.S. thesis defense.
Thesis Title: Application of Soft Robotic Sensors to Predict Foot and Ankle Kinematic Measurements
When: Wednesday, March 4th, 2020, 09:30 am
Where: Simrall 432 (Conference Room)
Candidate: David Saucier
Degree: M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering
Committee:
Dr. John E. Ball
Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Robert D. Guyton Chair
(Major Professor)
Dr. Cindy L. Bethel
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and Billie J. Ball Endowed Professor in Engineering
(Committee Member)
Dr. Reuben F. Burch, V
Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering and Associate Director of Human Factors & Athlete Engineering at CAVS
(Committee Member)
Abstract
The ankle joint complex is a common source of injury for various demographics and is often observed during gait analysis. I investigate using soft robotic sensors as a means for collecting kinematic data at the ankle joint complex. I validate the linearity of these sensors by measuring stretch against extension and against stretch from frontal and sagittal planar foot movements using a wooden ankle mockup. I then conduct a study involving ten participants who perform repetitive trials of four foot movements (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion) using ten different locations. Four optimal locations were identified for these movements based on linearity, accuracy, robustness, and consistency. Lastly, I validated soft robotic sensors against the human gait cycle. Twenty participants were recruited and performed twelve trials, walking across a flat surface and a cross-sloped surface while motion capture data and soft robotic sensor data was collected.
Regards,
David Saucier