R&D

Our Projects

Developing reliable, safe, accessible, and affordable biomedical devices — by Filipinos, for Filipinos.

Agapay

Robotic Exoskeletons for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

The current design is a 12 degree-of freedom (DOF) system that accounts for shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger movements. An effective design requires the device to be comfortable, user-friendly, safe to use, and manufactured at a low cost. The device is actuated using high power servo motors attached to an adjustable frame. Real-time biofeedback system is integrated to record neuromuscular activity using surface electromyography (sEMG). The robotic exoskeleton arm can perform active and passive motion exercises through gamification techniques using integrated haptics and a graphical interface.

Medical RoboticsView Project→

Stage III Testing

Lapara

Robotic Articulating Laparoscopic Instrument

The current design of manual laparoscopic devices inhibits the movement of the surgeon where the range of motion of the device is restricted to only two degrees of freedom. In addition, a typical surgical operation lasts for at least two hours. Studies have shown that prolonged use of manual laparoscopic tools can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as neuropathy and back pain. In contrast, robotic laparoscopic devices such as Da Vinci, compared to conventional laparoscopic tools, have proven themselves by providing better experience but at a higher cost.

Medical RoboticsView Project→

Value Engineering

Tayô

Robotic Rehabilitation for Trunk & Lower Extremity

The TAYÔ Project is a response to the pressing challenges faced by the Philippine healthcare system, particularly in the realm of lower limb rehabilitation. With a shortage of healthcare professionals and limited equipment for treating stroke patients, the project introduces an innovative solution — an Assistive Physical Therapy Powered Table. This state-of-the-art device is strategically designed to revolutionize early trunk and lower limb mobilization, offering critical support to therapists and physiatrists. By merging technology with rehabilitation, the TAYÔ Project aims to redefine patient care standards, mitigate the physical strain on healthcare professionals, and make advances in rehabilitation practices throughout the Philippines.

Medical RoboticsView Project→

Prototype Development

Ensayo

Immersive Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Vision rehabilitation aims to restore functions of a blind and visually impaired (BVI) as an independent individual and therefore maintain quality of life even after loss of vision. Often the BVI's first step to independence is by travelling around the community without assistance through learning basic skills for orientation and mobility (O&M). However, according to the World Blind Union, one of the O&M challenges around the world is the accessibility of these trainings and that these trainings lack innovation and need to leverage technological advances of the science field. With that, the project will solve the current challenges by our local O&M training setup by developing a novel and innovative way incorporating immersive technology for the BVI using a virtual-based approach.

Movement ScienceView Project→

Preparing Clinical Validation

Sigla

Depression Recognition from EEG towards VR Therapy

The SIGLA Project is an immersive technology research that aims to develop a Virtual Reality (VR)-based depression therapy program that works with electroencephalogram (EEG) for depression recognition and analysis. In partnership with mental health professionals, therapy goals will be developed in a virtual environment where patients will be engaged leading towards addressing their depression concerns. An EEG feedback mechanism will be in place for brain wave monitoring and classification. Therapy methods will be compared and assessed to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed system.

Brain & Mental HealthView Project→

Pre-Commercialization

Sella

EEG-Integrated Wheelchair Power Unit

An appropriate wheelchair will benefit the physical health and quality of life of its users. However, in cases of total paralysis, manual and automated wheelchairs are inadequate. Total paralysis can come from different causes; some are due to neurological disorders, spinal injuries, amputations, and accidents. For those suffering from disorders such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, and Cerebral palsy, there is currently no cure for these disorders. For those suffering from severe stroke, recovery is possible, but special care is needed. Still, all these heavily require assistance from others, thus the patient becomes dependent.

Brain & Mental HealthView Project→

Approved — Q1 2026

Diagnox

Biomimetic Haptic Sensor for Robot-Assisted Palpation

Biomimetic skin-like haptic sensor for robot-assisted palpation and lump detection with VR-haptic training platform.

Biomedical SciencesView Project→

Ongoing Research

TULAY

Co-designing Philippine Community Physical Rehabilitation

The joint team of researchers and health professionals from the UK and Philippines will work together with stroke survivors and their families to develop recovery and self-management programs to be delivered within the community setting.

Brain & Mental HealthView Project→

Approved — Q1 2026

Sipit

Novel Laparoscopic Clip Applier for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Novel double-clipping laparoscopic clip applier for minimally invasive surgery.

Biomedical SciencesView Project→

Prototype Development

Doe

Wearable Wireless Sensor for Goat Estrus Detection

Existing devices for monitoring estrous cycles of does focus on properties prone to changes caused by external factors and apply the single-parameter analysis approach thus, become subject to error. Furthermore, the increasing demand for goats will lead to time-consuming and labor-intensive individual and herd estrous monitoring. Therefore, a wearable sensor is needed to wirelessly send information on the relevant properties from the vaginal fluid that will dictate the status of estrous cycle of each goat to a computer software operated by the breeder.

Biomedical SciencesView Project→