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Learn from users

Product development is a continuous process of improvement. By listening to users, the SEED lab gains insights to better understand their evolving needs and expectations. This process enhances empathetic design skills to create safer and more effective solutions.

Build with our hands

Prototypes represent concepts and facilitate discussions among cross-functional teams to align with a shared vision. The SEED Lab creates prototypes to demonstrate the utility and value of new technologies, allowing users to interact and test innovative solutions.

Test across disciplines

Product development encompasses various disciplines. Designing and testing prototypes across these fields ensures that the final technology meets quality standards and performance requirements.

Surgeons must precisely manipulate delicate and vital tissues using mechanical devices. We are developing haptic feedback technologies to convey force information to users, thereby enhancing their sense of touch.

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Biomechanics is often complex and non-linear, so we are developing devices that operate non-linearly to better adapt to human motion and forces.

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Breathing is a fundamental skill for regulating emotions. Since stressful situations occur in the real world, we are developing a stress management devices that integrates seamlessly into everyday life.

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NIH awards funding to SEED Lab.

Dr. Milton Aguirre has invented a device for managing everyday stress and has secured an NIH grant to align with Purdue’s initiative to support mental health in our community.

NIST awards grant to create engineering curriculum

The SEED lab is working together with Prof. Paul McPherson (Director of Bechtel Innovation Center) and Prof. Margaret Phillips (Purdue Libraries) to develop modules that educate undergraduate and graduate students on standards and regulations for emerging technologies..

I was excited to join SEED Lab because it exposed me to medical device design. The experience helped shape my problem-solving skills in relevant clinical applications.

Brian (Hao) Yu

Undergraduate Researcher

SEED Lab helped me visualize a new surgical instrument that can advance my research and the treatment of patients.

Deborah W. Knapp, DVM, MS

DACVIM-Oncology

SEED Lab helped shape my appreciation for developing simulations and experiments that replicate the real world.

Duncan Isbister

Master Student

I visit SEED Lab when members of my community need practical solutions.

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Coordinator of NIH Research Dev.

We are currently accepting M.S. and Ph.D. students.
Apply to join today.

2024, NIH STTR/SBIR Phase I, A scalable intervention for stress management practices, Wellness Device, Case A (CoPI) Aguirre ME (PI)
2023, NIST, SCO CD CAP, The Roles of Standards in Product Innovation, Educational Modules, Phillips M (CoPI), McPherson P (CoPI), Aguirre ME (PI)
2023, NIH Indiana's Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), Seed grant, Wellness Device, Aguirre ME (PI)
2023, NIH Indiana's CTSI, Seed grant, Walqer LLC industry sponsor, Smart walking cane, Assistive Device, (PI)
2022, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Realizing the Digital Enterprise Seed Grant, Surgical device, Diao S (CoPI), Aguirre ME (PI)

SEED Lab conducts research and development in assistive and surgical technologies. Our prototypes and findings are for informational and experimental purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. SEED Lab does not guarantee the safety, efficacy, or regulatory approval of any devices under development. Always consult a qualified medical professional before using any assistive or medical device.

Social impact enginEEring Design (seed) LAB

We simplify healthcare technologies through human-centered design principles.

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Brian (Hao) Yu

Deborah W. Knapp, DVM, MS

Duncan Isbister

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