The first PDEng trainee of the Robotics PDEng programme Robotics has graduated at May 29. During the two-year PDEng programme Jan de Jong MSc PDEng developed a robot which is capable to keep a TMS coil ( transcranial magnetic stimulation) pressed exactly in the correct position against the head of a moving rehabilitation patient.
TMS is an existing technique in which very short, strong electric pulses are provided which change the magnetic field at specific positions within the brain. "It is clear that sending pulses very locally can ensure that the brain starts regenerating electrical currents in infected areas where there is little to no activity any longer. This can help Parkinson's and mental patients. But perhaps also people who suffer from a stroke to paralysis", says De Jong.
Robotics PDEng programme
The Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) programme Robotics, provided under the common flag of 3TU.School for Technological Design, Stan Ackermans Institute and located at University of Twente, focuses on creating technical solutions for the industrial sector (i.e. automatic welding robots), for maintenance and inspection (i.e. sewer inspection) and for medical use (like rehabilitation or surgical robotics). The design focused programme is based on functional and market based requirements and focuses on quality, environment, safety and sustainability. During the programme, PDEng trainees transfer results into technological innovation in industry and society. A methodological approach, which tackles the always present uncertainties, always comes first.
Collaboration with industry
Employers of graduates of this PDEng programme are often the organisations were the trainees do their design assignments. The branches of these organisations vary from large multinationals to smaller companies in the industrial, maintenance and medical sector.
Why a PDEng programme?
De Jong says “I have consciously chosen the PDEng because a PhD was too science-driven; I'd rather work at a high level for a company on a great assignment. Through my master project I actually got familiar with the PDEng. At my Master's project I have made the start of my current design and during my PDEng programme I develop the design further.
In addition to the technical skills I have learned, I learned a lot of practical knowledge, such as how to design. Through the PDEng, I got more feeling with how designing works in practice. During your Master assignment you work on a design, whereas after finishing the PDEng you actually CAN design.”