Dr Appolinaire Etoundi

Dr. Appolinaire C. Etoundi, holding a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol, is a dynamic academic with a career covering impactful teaching, innovative research, and meaningful industry collaborations. His journey began as a Teaching Associate in Engineering Design at the University of Bristol before moving into a postdoctoral position on the System Design of Ultra-Efficient Chain Drives research project with Renold PLC. During this time, he contributed significantly to developing a test rig for the British Olympic Cycling Team.

Since joining the University of the West of England (UWE) in 2013, Dr. Etoundi has distinguished himself through a commitment to impactful research and education. His focus shifted toward assistive and rehabilitative technologies following an encounter with Paralympic/European champion Andy Lewis MBE. His work is deeply rooted in bio-inspired technologies and artificial intelligence, aimed at advancing devices and systems for upper and lower-limb amputees. By integrating design concepts from biological systems, particularly in compliance and versatility, into electromechanical systems, he envisions enhancing the efficiency of mobile robots, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation/prosthetic devices.

Dr. Etoundi’s interdisciplinary research bridges biology, biomechanics, and robotics to develop innovative solutions in healthcare and engineering. He has secured significant funding for his work, including:

• EPSRC First Grant: "Novel Bio-Inspired 'Smart' Joint for Prosthetics and Robotics Lower Limbs" (EP/P022588/1), focusing on bio-inspired control systems to enhance robotic mobility.
• NIHR i4i FAST Award: "A Multi-Modal Bio-Inspired Prosthetic Knee Joint for Different Daily Activities" (NIHR206099), advancing prosthetic knee technology to improve functionality and user adaptability.

Dr. Etoundi’s contributions extend beyond academia, with notable media coverage and impactful projects highlighting his dedication to advancing knowledge and improving lives. After receiving support from UWE, he led a multidisciplinary team to develop the very first 3-D printed bio-inspired prosthetic leg for the CYBATHLON 2024 in Switzerland. This work gained international recognition during the CYBATHLON competition and has been praised for its potential to transform assistive technology.

His teaching includes cutting-edge courses such as Mechatronics, Advanced Mechatronics, Biomechatronics, Engineering Design, Integrated Electromechanical Systems, and Healthcare Science. These modules incorporate state-of-the-art technologies and practical applications, preparing students for future industry demands.

Dr. Etoundi has played a pivotal role in revamping the Mechatronics Laboratory at UWE, designing and commissioning innovative research-embedded teaching demo platforms that enhance both teaching and research capabilities. His close collaboration with industry leaders such as Renishaw PLC, Ottobock, Ossur, and also North Bristol NHS Trust (Bristol Centre for Enablement) underscores his ability to bridge academia and real-world applications in prosthetics and rehabilitation technologies.

With expertise extending over robotics, biomimetics, rehabilitation, mechatronics, smart systems, assistive technologies, and prosthetics/exoskeletons, Dr. Etoundi’s work continues to push the boundaries of engineering and healthcare. His passion for multidisciplinary systems drives his research at the nexus of bio-inspired, biomechanical, and robotic engineering, striving to create solutions that make a lasting positive impact on society.