Invention by student clinches first place at ASME Innovation Exhibition
In a groundbreaking development, a team of engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has created a soft robotic device named DINA, designed to revolutionise the rehabilitation of infants with Brachial Plexus Palsy (BPP). The DINA device won the top honour at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Innovation Showcase USA 2025.
The team, led by Victor Ticllacuri, was inspired to develop DINA from both personal experience and a clear unmet need in neonatal care. Ticllacuri, who spent his early years in hospitals due to a complicated premature birth, developed a lifelong sensitivity towards vulnerable newborns.
The DINA device uses a soft-robotic muscle to perform gentle shoulder motions, potentially making rehabilitation more consistent and effective. This innovation aims to complement traditional therapies, which often require manual exercises by parents and physical therapists for hours each day.
The team has been working diligently to develop a strategy to overcome the challenges of regulatory approval. They are also developing a strategy for navigating the medical device industry at the university's Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship.
To further their research, the team will receive a $10,000 seed grant and an invitation to the annual ISHOW Bootcamp. The prize money will be used for hardware development, including integrating medical-grade materials and performing biomechanical testing.
The ISHOW Bootcamp offers mentorship on commercialization strategy and regulatory planning, which the team will utilise to ensure the safety of the technology during clinical trials. They plan to adhere to strict safety standards to guarantee the best possible outcomes for the infants who will benefit from DINA.
The DINA technology is being developed in the field of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering at the Whiting School. The team has been mentored by Nitish Thakor, a professor of biomedical engineering, and PhD student Kiara Quinn.
It's worth noting that no technology currently exists to support the rehabilitation of infants with BPP. The condition affects more than 12,000 infants in the U.S. each year. The students consulted with clinicians at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as part of their project, ensuring that their innovation is grounded in the realities of neonatal care.
The DINA device is a beacon of hope for many families, offering a potential solution to a pressing issue in neonatal care. As the team continues their work, they are one step closer to making rehabilitation more accessible and effective for infants with BPP.
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