Student Projects
Part-time Job at a MedTech Startup: Implementation of Wheelchair Durability Testing Infrastructure
Versive, an ETH Spinoff in formation, is developing innovative manual wheelchairs using their disruptive "steering-by-leaning" principle (as seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrJFH3MLlaw ). Currently, we're planning a market launch at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. As part of an iterative design process, we need to be able to run essential durability tests ensuring a quick CE marking (medical device class 1) procedure later on. Besides static stability, flammability and biocompatibility, the ISO tests require mechanical durability testing. These include a rolling test (several days on a roller, under load) as well as a drop test (6666 drops from 15cm, fully loaded). For this, we are looking to implement our own testing infrastructure.
Keywords
Wheelchair, Steering-by-Leaning, Testing, Test Bench, ISO Testing, CE Mark, MedTech, Assistive Technology, Startup
Labels
Collaboration , Internship , Lab Practice , Student Assistant / HiWi
Description
This part-time job (HiWI) aims at implementing 2 test stands to run essential durability tests with our manual wheelchair prototypes. This flexible, part-time job includes: - Research norms (ISO, EN) - Research testing procedures for manual wheelchairs - Design test stands, based on available open access information - Manage BOM/Materials/Components - Build testing infrastructure
We are looking for a highly motivated, hands-on person to help us pave the way to achieve our medical CE mark. Ideally you are: - an engineering student with hands-on workshop experience - sufficient in CAD, parametric design - self-directed - eager to make it work
We are a committed team and offer a highly flexible position compensated on an hourly HiWi-basis. As a target, we're looking to finalize this project and the test stands by May 2025.
Goal
Implemented Testing Infrastructure for critical durability tests in manual wheelchair development.
Contact Details
Dr. Reto Togni - reto.togni@hest.ethz.ch Stefan Villiger - stefan.villiger@hest.ethz.ch
More information
Published since: 2025-01-29 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Taylor Group / Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics
Hosts Togni Reto
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology