🎓 Meet the Researchers Behind SmartAnkle! 🦿✨
Up next in our Doctoral Candidates series: meet Sinan, the engineer driving actuator innovation in the SmartAnkle project.
👨🏻💻 About: Sinan is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), collaborating with Axiles Bionics in Brussels. Sinan holds a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Özyeğin University. With experience ranging from exoskeleton development to defense and satellite technologies, his multidisciplinary background shapes a unique approach to user-centered robotic actuation.
🦿 SmartAnkle Project: As part of the SmartAnkle MSCA Doctoral Network, Sinan is designing a clutch-based actuation system for a next-generation ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). His goal is to develop a lightweight, torque-controllable device that supports stroke survivors by delivering efficient gait assistance through selectively engaged mechanical clutches—allowing both passive and active operational modes depending on the user’s condition.
⭐️ Current work: Sinan is now working on the early-stage prototyping and mechanical validation of a clutch-controlled actuation mechanism. His research explores how this architecture can optimize energy use, reduce system complexity, and adapt to real-world walking conditions—ultimately enhancing mobility and independence for people in rehab.
