Christopher Van Vlerken

Christopher Van Vlerken is a Researcher affiliated with the Department of Applied Mechanics at the Faculty of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His research focuses on Human-robot Interaction, wearable robotics, and prosthetics, with a particular emphasis on exoskeleton design, soft pneumatic actuators, and biomechanical interfaces. He collaborates with Federated labs AI and Robotics, contributing to projects like the AIR-exo initiative.

• Education: Doctoral scholarship in AI and Robotics (PhD).

His research interests include developing assistive technologies for rehabilitation, integrating sensors for real-time monitoring, and improving human-robot collaboration through advanced materials and actuators. Recent work explores muscle oximetry sensors and methods to characterize soft tissue interactions with wearable robots.

Key projects include OZR4007: AIR-exo (2022–2023), focusing on active physical interfaces for exoskeletons. His publications span topics like exoskeleton design, soft robotics materials, and biomechanical analysis. He has advised on STEM programs and contributed to grant proposals for strategic robotics research.

Van Vlerken is part of the BruBotics research group, which has pioneered advancements in prosthetics and wearable robotics over two decades. His work bridges biomechanical engineering and robotics, aiming to enhance assistive technologies for clinical and industrial applications.