Center for Sensor Technology and Digital Medicine

How can healthcare be made more efficient with the help of sensors and digital solutions? And how can novel medical technologies be integrated into innovative care solutions?

In order to guarantee healthcare for every individual and make the healthcare system sustainable for the future, Fraunhofer IIS has founded the "Center for Sensor Technology and Digital Medicine" in close cooperation with Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

Patient-specific therapy approaches, digital health applications, medical diagnostics using medical-grade wearables, and robotic systems for nursing care form the foundation for future-proof standard medical care and are to be developed, integrated, and clinically evaluated at the "Center for Sensor Technology and Digital Medicine" of Fraunhofer IIS.

The Fraunhofer IIS premises at Krankenhaustraße 12 of Universitätsklinikum Erlangen comprise a unique infrastructure and reference systems for the development, integration and validation of novel health technologies in the clinical environment. Specially equipped laboratories offer interested companies the opportunity for technological advancements as well as their independent testing and implementation.

Call us – we look forward to hearing from you!

We address highly relevant medical disciplines

We focus on the following research fields

Gait studies and algorithms for motion analysis with focus on neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (Motion Lab)
Studies and clinical grade wearables for cardiovascular risk patients (Cardiology Lab)
Acquisition and AI-based analysis of psycho-physiological data (Psycho-Physiology Lab)
Digital study, patient and data management (Medical Data Lab)

As part of the close collaboration between Fraunhofer IIS, FAU and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, we are further expanding our expertise and technologies.

Our Laboratories

Probandin im Ganganalyselabor — © Fraunhofer IIS/Paul Pulkert

Gait Analysis Laboratory

In January 2022, our gait analysis laboratory (Motion Lab) was equipped with a state-of-the-art 3D- Motion Capture System (international gold standard of motion analysis). This allows us to support patient-centered therapies and validate new sensor technologies through objectively collected parameters on movement patterns.
Our gait analysis laboratory is equipped with 12 infrared cameras and 2 force plates. Our range of services includes a wide variety of applications: from study analyses of movement patterns in patients with Parkinson's disease to the validation of newly developed sensors for competitive sports.

Subject study — © Fraunhofer IIS/Bianca Möller

Psycho-physiological Laboratory

Environmental stimuli and sensory stimuli affect how we perceive our environment and react in certain situations. Many decisions we make occur unconsciously. Surveys, e.g., patient interviews or consumer research, often rely on conscious statements. A temporal assignment of the emotional reaction to the respective stimulus is only insufficiently possible in these surveys. In our psychophysiological laboratory, we aim to make unconscious processes comparable to personal experiences. For this purpose, we have developed networked sensor solutions, emotion-adaptive technologies and perception-based user interfaces. Depending on your customer-specific requirements, different modalities such as infrared, eye tracking, ECG (HR, HRV), respiratory analysis, or EMG can be included.

Probandin auf Ergometer mit CardioTEXTIL — © Fraunhofer IIS/Paul Pulkert

Cardiology Laboratory

In our cardiology laboratory, we provide the opportunity to validate technologies in the cardiovascular field and conduct studies addressing various cardiological questions. Our facilities are equipped to perform measurements across different activity profiles, utilizing a range of equipment that includes a hospital bed for minimal exertion, as well as a treadmill and ergometer for more intensive assessments. During the validation process, we compare the technology being tested against established gold standards to ensure accuracy and reliability. In addition to in-lab measurements, we offer mobile measurement options, facilitating the validation of wearable devices in real-world settings.

Medical Data Lab

In our Medical Data Lab, we develop solutions and technologies for digital patient and study management as well as solutions for interoperable interfaces and data models using international standards (FHIR^®, SnomedCT, LOINC, ...). One of our developments is DPM.research – a study management system for digital recording and execution of clinical studies, specifically tailored to the requirements of your study setting. The integration of sensors, wearables, and patient apps for capturing Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMS) can be seamlessly implemented both on-site and within the patient's daily routine. To ensure the highest quality of service, we collaborate closely with our partners, including DTx Research Solutions GmbH and various clinical partners.

Joint knowledge and technology transfer

In order to combine research with practical relevance within professionally operated infrastructures and to advance in the application-oriented fields, the "Center for Sensor Technology and Digital Medicine" of Fraunhofer IIS was established in close cooperation with the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen as well as the Medical Faculty of Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.