Koblenz University of Applied Sciences opens SmartGAITLab AI laboratory
This week, the SmartGAITLab, a research laboratory for AI-based gait analysis, was opened on the Remagen campus of Koblenz University of Applied Sciences.
The human gait provides many insights for occupational safety. A newly opened laboratory at the university aims to do just that.
(Image: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com)
The opening event of the new research laboratory for AI-based gait analysis (SmartGAITLab) at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences was accompanied by a symposium with specialist presentations. Prof. Dr. Rolf Ellegast, Deputy Director of the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA), underlined the importance of the new laboratory: "Koblenz University of Applied Sciences has been a reliable cooperation partner of our institute for many years. I am sure that we will be able to generate new findings for occupational safety together in the SmartGAITLab".
A classic gait analysis examines technical movement patterns that occur during human gait. Experts usually record and evaluate biomechanical and physiological factors such as posture, muscle activity and force and pressure distribution. This makes it possible, for example, to diagnose pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Reducing the risk of falls at work
The new laboratory is intended to expand the possibilities of gait analysis through the use of AI algorithms. It is hoped that innovative projects made possible by the SmartGAITLab will provide new insights in the areas of occupational safety, running and geriatrics.
Continuous monitoring of human gait could provide important data for preventive measures in everyday life. The researchers are convinced that the laboratory results could quickly lead to new technologies, especially in the working environment, where many people are exposed to an increased risk of falling.
Prevention needs to be given higher priority
However, the idea of prevention is not the main focus of clinical examinations, as the Koblenz University of Applied Sciences explains. From a medical and economic perspective, however, it is very important to attach greater importance to the topic of prevention, according to the university's website.
Thanks to the availability of algorithms based on artificial intelligence, conspicuous patterns in the sensor data can now be detected efficiently and sometimes in real time, the researchers are convinced.
The SmartGAITLab is operated by an interdisciplinary team of experts from the fields of physics, mathematics, computer science, sports science, medicine and ergonomics. The lab is intended to provide space for innovative future projects in the application areas of occupational safety, sport, geriatrics and clinics.
In addition to Koblenz University of Applied Sciences (HSKO) as the operator of the laboratory, the Institute for Sports Science at the University of Koblenz (UK), the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) in St. Augustin and the Institute for Medical Technology and Information Processing Middle Rhine (MTI) are also involved.
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