Lucas Fonseca
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PROJECTS & STUDENTS

Research questions
to work on together.

Explore the research behind my work, or find a starting point for a student project in movement sensing, intelligent interfaces and assistive robotics.

Research projects

Published research

Residual-movement interfaces

Using available motion and muscle activity to control assistive devices after spinal cord injury.

Wearable sensing
Movement classification
Personalised access

Published research

FES and rehabilitation activity

Instrumentation and control for electrically assisted cycling, transfers, rowing and grasp.

Control engineering
Movement measurement
Electrical stimulation

Controlled proof of concept

Predictive smart-walker support

Estimating how collision risk develops as a walker and nearby objects move.

Sensor fusion
Trajectory prediction
Risk assessment

Prototype and planned co-design

SMILE: early-years powered mobility

Personalised access and shared control to support movement, agency and play.

Head and gesture input
Shared control
User-centred design

STUDENT PROJECTS

Find your starting point

These are project directions to discuss, not confirmed vacancies or funded positions. Scope, supervision capacity, equipment and data access need to be agreed before a project begins.

How reliably can a wearable sensor recognise intention?

Compare movement features and classification methods for a clearly defined interaction task. Explore how performance changes between sessions or users, rather than relying on a single accuracy score.

Possible skills: Python, signal processing, machine learning and experimental design.

Possible outcome: A reproducible comparison with a simple baseline and a clear analysis of failure cases.

Related research

When should a mobility aid warn or assist?

Explore collision-risk estimation in simulation or with suitable existing recordings. Compare distance-only warnings with predictions that account for how objects move.

Possible skills: Robotics, geometry, sensor processing and simulation.

Possible outcome: A tested prototype and an evaluation across approaching, crossing and receding obstacles.

Related research

How can an interface adapt to different movement abilities?

Investigate how head, gesture or touch input can map to a common control task. Consider calibration, feedback and how a user can understand or correct the system.

Possible skills: Human–computer interaction, prototyping, accessibility and user-centred design.

Possible outcome: An interface prototype with a justified evaluation plan. Any participant work requires the appropriate approvals.

Related research

Propose your own idea

Start with a question about movement, interaction or useful assistance. You do not need a complete technical solution before getting in touch.

In your message, include your programme and project dates, the question that interests you, relevant experience, and any constraints such as data or equipment access.

Email about a student project

Read the project-scoping guide

Looking for a research partnership?

Lucas Fonseca
Human movement for rehabilitation, health and independence.

 

CHART · Email
University of Nottingham