Tech-Powered Healing: Transforming the Way We Repair and Restore the Human Body
Join us for a dynamic half-day event exploring how neuroscience, robotics, and next-generation interfaces are revolutionizing the way we heal, restore, and enhance the human body.
From breakthroughs in hearing restoration to flexible brain-machine interfaces, early diagnosis of neurological disorders, and assistive exoskeletons, discover how cutting-edge science is expanding the boundaries of medicine, inclusion, and human potential. Leading experts will share the latest innovations at the intersection of mind, machine, and mobility. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of health and human capability.
Organized by EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), this half-day event explores how cutting-edge science and technology are transforming the way we repair, restore, and augment the human body. Through a series of expert talks and live discussion, the event showcases global leaders in neuroscience, robotics, and neuroprosthetics who are pioneering new frontiers in human health and ability.
Opening the program is Prof. Stéphanie Lacour, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology at EPFL. A world-renowned expert in soft bioelectronic interfaces, she will present her groundbreaking work on restoring hearing using cochlear implants and brainstem interfaces.
Next, Prof. Tsuyoshi Sekitani from SANKEN, The University of Osaka, a pioneer in flexible and stretchable electronics, will introduce his latest research in brain-machine interfaces that integrate seamlessly with the human body.
Following a coffee break, Prof. Olaf Blanke, founding director of EPFL’s Center for Neuroprosthetics, will present an innovative approach to diagnosing neurological disorders using “technodelics”, a fusion of robotics, virtual reality, and neurotechnology designed to detect early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Closing the speaker program is Dr. Mohamed Bouri, senior scientist at EPFL and leader of the REHAssist group. He will highlight advancements in wearable robotics, including the TWIICE and AUTONOMYO exoskeletons, which aim to restore mobility and autonomy for people with neuromuscular impairments.
The event concludes with a guided tour of the Swiss Pavilion (in English only) and a networking cocktail. Simultaneous interpretation in Japanese will be provided.
Join us to discover how technology is reshaping the future of health, inclusion, and human potential.
Outline
10:00- 10:05 Welcome speech by the Pavilion Management
10:05-10:10 Welcomed by Stéphanie Lacour, Vice-president for Support to Strategic Initiatives and Full Professor, Foundation Bertarelli Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology, EPFL
10:10-10:40 Presentation entitled “Restoring hearing with technology: from Cochlear implants to Brainstem interfaces” by Stéphanie Lacour followed by a Q&A
10:40-11:10 Presentation entitled “Brain-machine interface utilizing flexible electronics” by Tsuyoshi Sekitani, Professor, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, SANKEN The University of Osaka followed by a Q&A
11:10-11:35 Coffee break
11:35-12:05 Presentation entitled “Technodelics Combining robotics, virtual reality and neurotechnology for early diagnosis of hallucinations and dementia in Parkinson’s disease” by Olaf Blanke, Full Professor, Foundation Bertarelli Chair in Cognitive Neuroprosthetic, EPFL followed by a Q&A
12:05-12:35 Presentation entitled “Powered Exoskeletons for an Inclusive Society” by Mohamed Bouri, Senior Scientist, Group Leader at Rehassist, EPFL followed by a Q&A
12:35-12:45 Closing words by Stéphanie Lacour and Prof. Masateru Taniguchi, Deputy Director at SANKEN, the University of Osaka
12:45-13:05 Guided tour of the Swiss Pavilion offered by Presence Suisse (English only)
13:05- 14:05 Standing cocktail / Networking Event
The event will have simultaneous translation from English to Japanese.