Smart garments for personalised compression therapy

About the project

About the Project This exciting project, a collaboration between the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and The Centre for Health, will develop a world-first smart sensing layer that can be integrated into the commercially available dynamic compression suit (Flowpresso). The sensing layer will consist of thin, flexible, skin-like sensors capable of measuring tissue pressure, stretch, and composition in real time, enabling clinicians to see exactly how much compression is being applied during therapy. Currently, compression treatment for lymphoedema—a painful swelling often caused by cancer treatment—cannot be personalised, because no technology can measure pressure at the skin. Patients rely on subjective feedback, resulting in randomised and inconsistent therapy. By embedding this smart sensing layer into Flowpresso, the PhD project will deliver the first system that provides objective feedback on treatment effectiveness and supports personalised compression therapy. As a candidate, you will design, fabricate, and optimise these sensors, develop electronics for data collection, and validate the integrated system in clinical studies—turning a promising prototype into a clinic-ready medical innovation. Desired Skills Mechatronic: Sensor design, circuit design, embedded systems Hardware & prototyping: Flexible electronics, PCB design, rapid prototyping (3D printing, soft materials) Software & data processing: C/C++ for microcontrollers, Python or Matlab for signal processing and data analysis, embedded platforms (Arduino, STM32), and data visualisation tools Biomedical context: Wearable health devices, rehabilitation, and clinical translation Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here. The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy. Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment. Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies. Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science. Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!

Research areas