Professor Alon Wolf, Director of the Biorobotics and Biomechanics Lab (BRML) at the Technion Mechanical Engineering Faculty
Professor Alon Wolf was born in 1969 and received his entire academic education, from BSc through PhD, at the Technion’s Mechanical Engineering Faculty. After receiving his doctorate in 2002 he went on to a post-doctorate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He stayed on as head of the CMU Biomedical Robotics Lab and as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, in the Department of Surgery, specializing in surgical rehabilitative robotics and biomechanics.
In 2006 Professor Wolf founded the Biorobotics and Biomechanics Lab (BRML) at the Technion’s Mechanical Engineering Faculty. BRML takes the form of two closely interacting arrowheads, biomechanics and biorobotics. “Our aim,” explains Professor Alon, “is to study fundamental problems from a medical and research perspective (biomechanics) and develop solutions based on technology and engineering (biorobotics). To achieve this, we collaborate with medical teams from hospitals throughout the country.”
Professor Wolf’s work has won him NIH and NSF research grants. He presented his “snake robot”, pictured below, to President Barack Obama during the President’s 2013 visit to Israel.
Some of BRML’s Key Projects, Past and Present:
The Snake Robot: This research project, begun during Professor Wolf’s post-doctoral period at CMU, led to the founding of of Medrobotics Corporation. Medrobotics, which has so far raised $100 million, produces a robotic system for minimally invasive surgery. The unique Flex® Robotic System, which navigates by means of advanced high-definition vision equipment, enables surgeons to perform extremely precise operations. The “snake robot” has numerous degrees of freedom, making it highly flexible and able to move through convoluted paths. Flexible surgical tools are inserted through the “snake”, which is extracted at the end of the surgery. In 2014 and 2015 the system received the approval of the FDA and the European CE mark. The first surgeries performed by means of the Flex® Robotic System were removals of hard-to-reach cancerous throat tumors.
Degenerative Processes of the Knee and Hip: Using cameras and sensors to measure muscle activity, movement, posture, and the forces exerted by the foot on the ground, the lab studies degenerative changes in the joints. It has developed shoes that alter the patient’s posture and improve his or her gait. Currently it is researching how to equip these shoes with robotic components that can alter shoe shape automatically according to the patient’s specific gait data at any given moment. The system in fact trains the patient to walk correctly and thus stop the vicious circle whereby joint injury causes incorrect movement, leading to further injury and worsening the condition.
Adaptive Virtual Biofeedback System for Rehabilitation: This system was developed for physiotherapists helping patients to recover from surgical operations, strokes, or injuries. Since the rehabilitation process changes from patient to patient, physiotherapists must tailor specific treatment plans to fit each individual’s pathology and needs. Professor Wolf’s team has developed a new rehabilitation system that combines virtual reality, motion capture and biofeedback tools. Tasks are presented to the patient as a 3D display and change with his or her performance, motivating consistent efforts towards improved functioning.
Analysis of Barn Owl Visual Scanning: Barn owls can detect and locate their prey even in dimly lit conditions. Their eye movement is limited, and they often perform complex head movements when “zeroing in” on their prey. The research assumption is that these movements help barn owls estimate the distance to their prey.
The barn owl’s head movements were studied using advanced technology, including the Vicon™ motion capture system and a tracking device weighing 17 grams, developed in the lab, which is fitted to the head of the owl. This study led to the development of a system for mapping 3D objects using computerized vision.
Search and Rescue Snake Robots: following the September 11 attacks, in which many rescuers were injured, the US government decided to invest in developing small, smart robots that would take the place of human rescuers where possible, saving lives. As part of a research team that participated in this project Professor Wolf developed snakelike robots capable of crawling through narrow spaces, spotting victims and reporting any danger of secondary collapse. He continued developing these robots after joining the Technion faculty.
Biomechanics of the Spine: back deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis are currently diagnosed and tested mainly by radiography, which exposes the patient to radiation. Professor Wolf’s research team, together with Professor Ronny Kimmel of the Computer Sciences Faculty, have developed a radiation-free system of spinal scanning. Based on depth sensing (Kinect camera) and image analysis, the system is currently being examined and compared to advanced X-ray equipment at New York’s HSS Hospital. Professor Wolf explains that the Kinect camera, which costs approximately $100 and is radiation-free, will represent an accessible, inexpensive option and benefit many clinics, such as those that are remote or underfunded.
BRML Website: