Pressure detection device

John Madden’s Molecular Mechatronics Lab explores an area of research focuses on flexible electronics and smart materials and their biomedical applications. They are developing a prevention device for pressure ulcers (a.k.a. bedsores or decubitus ulcers), which are one of the most expensive preventable secondary complications for patients with spinal cord injury. The device uses a new sensor technology that that detects proximity, touch and pressure during active deformation of a surface. This sensing capability can be integrated into hospital bed sheets to detect pressure points and help avoid ulcer formation. This sensor is low cost, soft, flexible, biocompatible and readily scalable, making it ideal for commercial application.