Loma Linda Biomechatronics Collaboratorium
Student-Led Research
The Loma Linda University Biomechatronics Collaboratorium is a research experience exclusively developed by Loma Linda University for Forest Lake Academy Innovation Lab students. During the event, the students work alongside professionals, as colleagues, from the medical (academic and clinical), bioengineering, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, entrepreneurship industries conducting research and solving problems that exist within the Loma Linda Health system.
Research Areas
Brain Computer Interface
Brain-Computer Interface or BCI is a rapidly evolving technology that builds a direct channel between the human brain and the computer. BCI is a technology that enforces a collaboration between a brain and a device that enables signals from the brain to direct some external activity. This working together is aimed at either controlling a cursor or manipulating a prosthetic limb. The interface facilitates a direct communications path between the brain and the object to be controlled.
BioMechatronics
Biomechatronics is an applied interdisciplinary science that aims to integrate biology, computer science and mechatronics
(electrical, electronics, and engineering). It also encompasses the fields of robotics and neuroscience. Biomechatronic devices encompass a wide range of applications from the development of prosthetic limbs to engineering solutions concerning respiration, vision, and the cardiovascular system.
Virtual Reality Rehab
Virtual reality therapy (VRT), also known as virtual reality immersion therapy (VRIT), is the use of virtual reality technology for psychological or occupational therapy and in affecting virtual rehabilitation. Patients receiving virtual reality therapy navigate through digitally created environments and complete specially designed tasks often tailored to treat a specific ailment; and is designed to isolate the user from their surrounding sensory inputs and give the illusion of immersion inside a computer-generated, interactive virtual environment. Virtual reality therapy has also been used to help stroke patients regain muscle control, to treat other disorders such as body dysmorphia, and to improve social skills in those diagnosed with autism.