Dr.-Ing. Bastian Latsch, PostDoc in the Measurement and Sensor Technology Group, has been awarded an Add-on Fellowship from the Joachim Herz Foundation for his innovative and interdisciplinary research project. He will receive a research grant of €15,000 over two years and an additional €3,000 to support the compatibility of research and family life. Dr. Latsch's project is based on novel ferroelectret sensors, which can detect muscle contractions effectively and cost-efficiently due to to their high sensitivity and flexibility.

This funding will enable him to further advance the technology and transfer his research findings into practical applications. Moreover, the fellowship will support him in strengthening his scientific independence, enhancing his professional network within the relevant research communities, and broadening his qualifications. We would like to thank the Joachim Herz Foundation for recognizing his achievements.

Summary of his research

Precise measurement of muscle activity is of central importance for the intuitive control of modern assistance systems such as prostheses. This also plays a decisive role in rehabilitation. His project is based on novel ferroelectret sensors, which can detect muscle contractions in an effective and cost-efficient way due to their high sensitivity and flexibility. This mechanical method has several advantages over conventional electromyography electrodes, such as sweat-resistant contact with the skin, increased signal quality, and detection of passive deformation. The aim is to further develop the technology for practical application and integrate it into textiles in order to increase wearing comfort and make the wireless system suitable for everyday use. This is an innovative, material-efficient solution that also has social relevance in terms of the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to inclusion, health and technological progress by improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. In the long term, this technology can also be used in other areas such as robotics or wearables. The results achieved so far have been developed and published as part of his doctoral thesis. Now, the findings from several prototypes and experiments are to be transferred to a fundamental participant study that also examines clinically relevant data such as muscle fatigue. To this end, both the sensors and the electronics are being rebuilt.