Session Organizers: Lars Oddsson, RxFunction and Lucy Dunne, University of Minnesota
Shape Memory Alloy Enabled Wearables - Real barriers. Vast potential.
Jeremy Schaffer, PhD
Director, Research and Development
Fort Wayne Metals
Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) can impart valuable function to wearable technology in medical, industrial, and consumer arenas. Few materials provide the range of properties possible from SMA in terms of constitutive tuneability (e.g. compliant to stiff), durability (e.g. high cycle fatigue), and stored or work energy per unit volume (e.g. Ew ~ 20 MJ/m^3). This material property range becomes a wide performance landscape, and design palette, when multiplied by structural possibilities. An exhaustive view of this landscape is not possible due to knowledge gaps, and yet, what is known can illumine routes to valuable breakthroughs. This talk focuses on emerging knowledge in primarily Nitinol-family SMA and proposes ties to wearable subcomponent design. Explorations include textiles with an active cooling function, wearable generators, and high force to weight structures for stretchable shape conformance. A brief intro to SMA production from melt to wire finishing and property tuning is included.
Bio: Jeremy leads a materials innovation group at Fort Wayne Metals driving fundamental research and new product development in medical device and aerospace markets. The team’s burgeoning portfolio includes moonshots, as for example, orthopedic “vitamin” metals and “nitinol wool” and incremental advances such as high temperature SMA for actuators, and MRI-friendly alloy development for evolving surgical theaters, as well as many collaborative publications and patents. Jeremy holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University.
Wearable Technology for Assessment of Postural Instability and Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease
Sommer Amundsen-Huffmaster, PhD
Assistant Professor, Neurology
University of Minnesota
Abstract: Postural instability and gait disorders (PIGD) are one of the most debilitating features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PIGD includes balance deficits, gait changes, and freezing of gait, which is associated with an inability to take effective step. PIGD has a variable response to treatments such as medications and deep brain stimulation, due to a lack of understanding of the complex underlying pathophysiology. The advent of advance wearable sensors allows increased study of this disorder as we track how gait disorders progress (from prodromal to severe disease) and respond to DBS treatment. In this talk, I will discuss advantages and challenges of using wearable devices in laboratory and real-world settings.
Bio: Dr. Sommer Amundsen-Huffmaster is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Minnesota (UMN) in Minneapolis. She received a B.S in Dance and Engineering with a mechanical emphasis from Hope College, Holland, MI and a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, after which she did a post-doc with Dr. Colum MacKinnon in the Movement Disorders Lab at UMN. Sommer's research interests include applying engineering principles to analyze human movement (biomechanics) and looking at how treatments can modify the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sommer enjoys canoeing, reading, and spending time with her husband and two small children.
E-Textile Phototherapy for Neonatal Jaundice
Abstract: Neonatal jaundice is an extremely common condition, affecting more than half of newborn infants. Treatment with blue light phototherapy is effective, but can be distressing for infants and caregivers. Phototherapy in garment form can alleviate many of the obstacles to effective phototherapy. Here, we explore facets of the design of effective e-textile phototherapy devices, specifically the influence of LED choice and textile layering choices on irradiance dose produced by the system. We establish relationships between fabric covering weight and irradiance reduction, so that irradiance may be adjusted to the required dose. Further, we explore effects of component packages and fabric substrates on fabrication outcomes.
Olaitan Adeleke, BSc, MSc, PhD Candidate
Doctoral Candidate, Design Innovation
University of Minnesota
Bio: Olaitan Adeleke is a researcher dedicated to interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of electronics, computing, and textiles. Her work advances wearable technology and electronic textiles through data-driven design and advanced manufacturing approaches. Specializing in e-textile design and production challenges, she synthesizes insights and develops design guidelines to enhance manufacturability. Beyond research, Olaitan is committed to leveraging wearable technology to address unique challenges and opportunities in African contexts and communities. By fostering inclusive and context-specific development, she contributes to the sustainable evolution of wearable technology.
Heidi Woelfle, BS
Research Professional
Wearable Technology Lab
University of Minnesota
Heidi Woelfle is a researcher in the Wearable Technology Lab at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design. Her research interests include garment-based wearable technologies and sustainable fashion. She has worked on projects relating to the design of exoskeletons, active heating wearables, and active compression garments.
Session Organizers
Lars Oddsson
CTO, RxFunction
Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota
Lars Oddsson, PhD, is a biomedical scientist, an inventor and entrepreneur. He is CTO and Co-Founder of RxFunction, a start-up that has commercialized Walkasins, a wearable sensory prosthesis for balance. Dr. Oddsson teaches in the Medical Device Innovation program at the Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota and is Adjunct Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Medical School. He is a visiting professor at the Recanati School of Health Professions at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. He is a co-investigator and consultant to NASA’s Johnson Space Center on projects related to the development of sensorimotor countermeasures to long-term spaceflight.
Lucy Dunne
Professor College of Design
Program Director, Apparel Design and Apparel Studies Track of Design Graduate Program
Co-Director, Wearable Technology Lab
University of Minnesota
Lucy E. Dunne, is a professor in the Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel in the College of Design at the U MN. She is also co-director of the Wearable Technology Lab.