
Engineering Human Mobility Through Intelligent Wearable Systems
Dhileep Kumar Jayashankar
I am a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, where my research explores the intersection of biomechanics, stretchable electronics, wearable sensing, and intelligent human–machine systems. My goal is to develop engineering solutions that enable technologies to seamlessly interact with the human body, improving mobility, rehabilitation, and quality of life.
My research is driven by a fundamental challenge in wearable and assistive technologies: how can we bridge the gap between rigid electronic systems and the soft, dynamic nature of the human body while enabling intelligent, real-time interpretation of physiological data? This question has shaped my work across soft wearable electronics, computational mechanics, biosensors, and machine learning, with applications ranging from human activity recognition to next-generation prosthetic technologies.
Throughout my doctoral research, I have designed and developed stretchable piezoresistive electronic skin, wearable sensing platforms, and computational frameworks that integrate finite element analysis, embedded systems, and deep learning for real-time biomechanical monitoring. My work spans the complete research lifecycle—from concept development and computational modeling to prototype fabrication, experimental validation, and intelligent data analysis—allowing me to translate scientific ideas into deployable engineering systems.
Before beginning my PhD, I built a strong foundation in mechanical design, additive manufacturing, smart materials, experimental mechanics, and product development through research positions in Singapore and engineering roles in industry. These experiences strengthened my ability to approach problems from both scientific and practical perspectives, combining rigorous research with engineering implementation to develop reliable, manufacturable solutions.
Today, my research interests include:
Beyond research, I enjoy communicating engineering concepts and sharing insights on emerging developments in prosthetics, biomechanics, and wearable technologies. I believe that advancing human mobility requires collaboration across engineering, healthcare, and data science, and I am passionate about contributing to multidisciplinary teams that transform research into technologies with meaningful real-world impact.
As I transition toward a Research Scientist role, I aspire to contribute to the next generation of intelligent wearable and assistive systems that enhance mobility, improve clinical outcomes, and redefine the future of human-centered engineering.
Research Vision
I want every prosthetic limb to sense and respond to its user within one gait cycle. My 5-year goal is to close the loop: integrating real-time biomechanical prediction with prosthetic actuator control so that the socket actively adapts to the user—rather than the other way around.
Near-Term
Multi-subject clinical validation of PKIS; personalized activity recognition via transfer learning; self-powered sensing through PKIS + h-TEG integration.
Mid-Term
Foundation models for wearable sensor data; multimodal fusion (pressure + inertial + EMG); explainable AI for clinical deployment and FDA readiness.
Long-Term
Closed-loop prosthetic and exoskeleton control; digital health ecosystems for longitudinal gait monitoring; autonomous, self-powered wearable bioelectronic systems.
Featured Research
Three platforms, one design principle: hierarchical soft-rigid architectures that let rigid electronics survive on soft, moving bodies.
PKIS
In ProgressProsthetic Knee Intelligence System
Stretchable e-skin with real-time deep learning for prosthetic socket monitoring — recognizes 8 activities, forecasts next action, and flags fall risk in <50 ms.
SNAP
PublishedStretchable Microneedle Adhesive Patch
Functionally graded electrode for motion-artifact-free EMG sensing — enabling closed-loop exoskeleton control for rehabilitation and mobility assistance.
h-TEG
PublishedHierarchical Thermoelectric Generator
Body-heat harvester that powers on-body sensors without batteries — enabling untethered, continuous mobility monitoring for prosthetic and rehabilitation devices.
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