Antonio Rodriguez Fernandez

Antonio Rodriguez Fernandez is a researcher at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB). He is a member of the BIOMEC - Biomechanical Engineering Lab and the Institut de Recerca i Innovació en Salut, where he focuses on rehabilitation robotics and biomechanical engineering.

His research interests include:

• Lower-limb exoskeletons for spinal cord injury and neuromuscular impairments
• Clinical evaluation and usability of robotic assistive devices
• Integration of immersive virtual reality for motor learning and exoskeleton training
• Gait biomechanics and motor recovery through robotic rehabilitation
• Transition of exoskeletons from clinical to home environments

His recent work has been published in journals such as Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, Scientific Reports, and PLOS ONE, covering topics from feasibility studies to systematic reviews. He has led and participated in competitive R&D projects like TAILOR and SynchroProject II, demonstrating a strong focus on translational research and innovation with social impact.

He has received the 3r Premi UPC al Compromís Social, recognizing his contributions to socially responsible engineering. His research is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

Antonio Rodriguez Fernandez has advised and collaborated on projects involving PhD students and multidisciplinary teams. He has no listed formal advisees, but his leadership in research projects indicates a mentoring role. His work is supported by national competitive grants under Spain’s State Research and Innovation Plans.

He is actively involved in the BIOMEC research group, where he contributes to the development of personalized robotic and neuroprosthetic systems using predictive simulation methods. His team collaborates with experts in robotics, biomechanics, and clinical rehabilitation to advance assistive technologies.