Close
Peter Kirstein Lecture 2024: Exploring Bionic Innovation with Professor Hugh Herr
1 October 2024
Hugh Herr (MIT), pioneer in bionic limbs, delivered the 2024 Peter Kirstein Lecture. He shared insights into biomechatronics, global healthcare innovation, and his cutting-edge prosthetics project in Sierra Leone, which aims to bring custom care to underserved communities.
The 2024 Peter Kirstein Lecture welcomed Professor Hugh Herr from MIT, known for his pioneering work in bionic limbs. Dubbed the "Leader of the Bionic Age" by Time, Herr's research focuses on integrating synthetic materials with human tissues, advancing prosthetics, orthotics, and neural interfaces. A double amputee, Herr's passion for biomechatronics stems from his personal experiences, and his work has transformed mobility for individuals with disabilities.
The lecture, held at UCL East's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, was part of UCL’s annual Peter Kirstein Lecture series. This series honours the memory of Professor Peter Kirstein, a visionary in computer networking and a founding figure of the internet. The lecture reflects his commitment to cutting-edge research by featuring speakers who are leaders in technology and innovation.
In his talk, Herr highlighted the global impact of bionics, including his work in Sierra Leone. Through a partnership between MIT’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics and the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone, Herr is spearheading an innovative project to improve access to prosthetic care in underserved communities. The initiative uses mobile 3D printing technology to design and deliver custom prosthetic limbs, bringing high-tech solutions to rural areas that need them most.
In addition to the lecture, Professor Herr and special guests, including members of Peter Kirstein’s family, were treated to a private tour showcasing UCL's research in robotics and assistive technology. Demonstrations were provided by UCL’s Robotics Lab, the Aspire CREATe Lab, and the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). Key areas of research explored during the tour included surgical robotics, legged robotics, and rehabilitation technologies.
The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring Professor Hugh Herr alongside UCL’s Professor Rui Louriero and Dr. Victoria Austin, co-founder of the GDI Hub. A reception followed, providing attendees the opportunity to engage with Professor Herr and UCL’s research community.
A link to the recording of the lecture is available at the link below. Please note that the recording is password-protected for UCL staff and students at the speaker's request.
Further reading and video link - Kirstein Lecture 2024