Smart garments for personalised compression therapy

This exciting project, a collaboration between the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and The Centre for Health, will develop a world-first smart sensing layer that can be integrated into the commercially available dynamic compression suit (Flowpresso). The sensing layer will consist of thin, flexible, skin-like sensors capable of measuring tissue pressure, stretch, and composition in real time, enabling clinicians to see exactly how much compression is being applied during therapy. Currently, compression treatment for lymphoedema—a painful swelling often caused by cancer treatment—cannot be personalised, because no technology can measure pressure at the skin. Patients rely on subjective feedback, resulting in randomised and inconsistent therapy. By embedding this smart sensing layer into Flowpresso, the PhD project will deliver the first system that provides objective feedback on treatment effectiveness and supports personalised compression therapy. As a candidate, you will design, fabricate, and optimise these sensors, develop electronics for data collection, and validate the integrated system in clinical studies—turning a promising prototype into a clinic-ready medical innovation.

• Mechatronic: Sensor design, circuit design, embedded systems

• Hardware & prototyping: Flexible electronics, PCB design, rapid prototyping (3D printing, soft materials)

• Software & data processing: C/C++ for microcontrollers, Python or Matlab for signal processing and data analysis, embedded platforms (Arduino, STM32), and data visualisation tools

• Biomedical context: Wearable health devices, rehabilitation, and clinical translation

MBIE Smart Ideas

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