Transformative Technologies for Healthcare and Environmental Resilience (TTHER)
For permanent residents of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam
Research Area 1
AI-Enabled Falls Prevention Device for Elderly Populations: This research focuses on the design, development, and validation of an AI-enabled portable diagnostic device for falls prevention, targeting at-risk populations such as the elderly in ASEAN. By integrating advanced sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms, the device will analyse gait patterns, balance, and physiological parameters to assess and predict an individual’s risk of falling in real time. The project will involve hardware design for a user-friendly and comfortable device, AI algorithm development for accurate risk assessment, and thorough testing and validation against established fall risk assessment methods. In collaboration with healthcare professionals in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, particularly through partnerships with ASEAN institutions and healthcare providers, the device will be evaluated for usability and acceptability by both healthcare providers and end-users. This aligns with the UK-ASEAN Network on AI-Enabled Healthcare Research and Innovation using Wearable Technologies (AIWT4Care), a project led by Professor Hongnian Yu and funded by The Academy of Medical Sciences. The aim is to provide a sustainable solution for preventive healthcare, reducing the incidence of falls and improving outcomes for elderly patients, particularly in underserved regions of Malysia, Thailand, or Vietnam. This project aligns with the “Transformative Technologies” theme by applying artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering to address a significant public health challenge. It also contributes to the “Healthy People” theme by improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for elderly populations in Malysia, Thailand, or Vietnam. Through collaboration with healthcare institutions in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, the research further strengthens global partnerships for sustainable development and knowledge exchange, aligning with the goals of this fellowship program.
Research Area 2
Applications of Robotics and AI in Advancing Industry 5.0 in Healthcare: This research area focuses on the integration of robotics, AI, and healthcare within the framework of Industry 5.0 (https://research-andinnovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/industrialresearch-and-innovation/industry-50_en). The emphasis is on creating more intelligent, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare systems, which directly supports the “Healthy People” priority research area. Industry 5.0 builds on the foundations of Industry 4.0 by incorporating human-centric and AI-driven automation, making healthcare more adaptable, personalized, and responsive to patient needs. This aligns with the Healthy People priority research area and supports the goals of the British Council-funded “Adapting to Industry 4.0 oriented international education and research collaboration project”. In the context of Malaysia or Thailand or Vietnam, this research will facilitate the development of innovative healthcare solutions that leverage robotics and AI to address pressing public health challenges, such as improving access to care, enhancing medical diagnostics, and delivering personalized treatments. This approach aligns with ASEAN’s national healthcare goals, as well as global healthcare trends, positioning the research as both ODA-compliant and impactful for the region’s development. By emphasizing these technologies in healthcare, the project also strengthens ENU’s collaborative links with institutions in Malaysia or Thailand or Vietnam, which are actively involved in research on AI and digital healthcare. This alignment ensures the research supports mutual knowledge exchange, fosters sustainable development, and addresses global healthcare challenges through advanced robotics and AI.
Research Area 3
Exoskeleton Robots for Multistage Rehabilitation: This research focuses on developing and applying exoskeleton robots specifically tailored to assist patients with mobility challenges in their rehabilitation journey. The goal is to create adaptive, user-friendly robotic systems that provide personalized support throughout multiple stages of rehabilitation, from early recovery to more advanced stages of physical therapy. These exoskeletons will be designed to enhance patient recovery by promoting mobility, improving muscle strength, and facilitating independence. The technology will be integrated with AI and IoT systems, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments to optimize patient outcomes. Aligned with the Academy of Medical Sciences funded UK-ASEAN Network on AI-Enabled Healthcare Research and Innovation using Wearable Technologies project, this initiative supports the Transformative Technologies and Healthy People themes by offering innovative healthcare solutions in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, where access to advanced rehabilitation technology can significantly benet aging populations and individuals recovering from accidents or chronic conditions. This project will not only advance healthcare innovation in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam but will also foster cross disciplinary collaboration and contribute to the enhancement of ASEAN’s healthcare technology infrastructure, particularly in rehabilitation care.
Research Area 4
Autonomous Electric Vehicles for Emergency Services: This research area focuses on creating autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) tailored for emergency response applications, particularly in search and rescue and disaster relief missions. Leveraging advancements in robotics and AI, these AEVs will autonomously navigate complex terrains, improving the efficiency and safety of operations where human intervention is limited. Collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service and alignment with the EU-funded iMARS (Intelligent Multi-Agent Robotic Systems) project ensures the vehicles meet international standards in autonomous system innovation. By offering sustainable, scalable solutions for disaster management, the project supports the fellowship’s “Resilient Planet” theme, while advancing AI and robotics underscores the “Transformative Technologies” theme. Additionally, it fosters global collaboration by engaging researchers in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, with a focus on deploying these systems in disaster-prone regions and enhancing worldwide emergency response capabilities.
Research Area 5
AI-Driven Body Area Networks for Transformative and Sustainable Patient Monitoring: This research investigates the implementation of Body Area Networks (BANs) to enhance integrated patient monitoring and data management. BANs utilize wearable or implantable sensors positioned on the human body to collect physiological data continuously, enabling real-time health monitoring crucial for chronic disease management and early detection of potential health issues. The project aims to develop advanced BAN systems by leveraging AI and IoT technologies to improve both healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This work aligns with the Transformative Technologies and Resilient Planet themes by promoting sustainable healthcare practices and addressing critical health challenges in both ASEAN and the UK.
Research Area 6
Building a Transformative IoT Healthcare Ecosystem for Continuous Monitoring and Proactive Patient Care: This research focuses on integrating IoT in healthcare to establish a transformative, interconnected ecosystem. By harnessing connected devices and sensors, the project collects, analyses, and applies real-time health data, making healthcare systems more responsive and adaptive. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery by supporting continuous monitoring, instant data access, and proactive health management, which are particularly advantageous for patients with chronic illnesses and the elderly in ASEAN and the UK. Aligned with the Transformative Technologies and Resilient Planet themes, this project contributes to sustainable healthcare practices while addressing critical health challenges through cutting-edge technological innovation.
Research Area 7
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Digital Health and Precision Medicine: This research area leverages AI to advance Digital Health and Precision Medicine initiatives in ASEAN. In close collaboration with partners in Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, the project will explore a range of AI-driven healthcare technologies—such as wearable sensors, genomics, and predictive modelling—to enhance health outcomes, particularly in rural settings. Supported by the UK-ASEAN Network on AI-Enabled Healthcare Research and Innovation using Wearable Technologies (AIWT4Care) under The Academy of Medical Sciences, the initiative provides opportunities for fellows to engage with industry partners specializing in AI for healthcare, attend international workshops, and contribute to scalable AI solutions across the ASEAN region.