Research Area: Human Health
Where mechanics meets medicine
With over 200 medical device companies within 20 miles and three top-tier hospitals within walking distance, the Stanford campus provides a unique setting for medical innovation.
Many faculty and students working in human health/Biomechanical Engineering are developing a combination of strong mechanical skills with a working understanding of biological and/or medical systems and processes. Investigations range from exploring how cells sense their environment and interact, to designing the next generation of medical equipment and joint replacements. Biomechanical Engineering research encompasses not only fundamental scientific questions but also the endeavors which will bring discoveries to hospitals, clinics and society as a whole to improve general health, well-being and quality of life.
Human Health is central to the department’s efforts in exploring the mechanics-biomedicine interface and developing innovative solutions for this rapidly growing area. In addition, many students working in all of the Mechanical Engineering groups (Design; Thermofluids, Energy, and Propulsion Systems; Flow Physics and Computation; and Mechanics and Computation) have substantial research efforts in the area of biological systems.
Human Health Research Highlights
Assistant Professor Renee Zhao’s lab is developing biomedical robots powered by magnets and inspired by the movement of octopus arms – generally regarded as one of the most flexible limbs in nature.
Stanford exoskeleton walks out into the real world
After years of careful development, engineers have created a boot-like exoskeleton that increases walking speed and reduces effort outside of the lab. Read the Story
Tiny robots bring health care closer to precision drug delivery
A mechanical engineer creates multifunctional wireless robots to maximize health outcomes and minimize invasiveness of procedures.
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A new magnetic device could revolutionize allergy diagnosis
By isolating basophils, the rarest white blood cells, scientists aim to design a safer, more accurate allergy test.
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