A Q&A with Biomechanical Engineer Karl Zelik

Our Spotlight series showcases designers and materials we admire, offering interviews that explore their creative journeys and design philosophies. Our founder Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman has connected with many talented designers throughout her career. In this edition, we had the pleasure of speaking with Karl Zelik , a biomechanical engineer, professor at Vanderbilt University , and co-founder of HeroWear . Karl’s impressive work focuses on improving mobility and independence through cutting-edge assistive technology. We’ve admired his expertise since collaborating on HeroWear’s Apex exosuit and have followed his impactful work ever since.

In this interview, Karl shares what inspired him to pursue biomechanics, how he prioritizes comfort and usability in his designs, and his insights on the future of assistive technology. He’s a true expert in the field, and we’re thrilled to highlight his journey.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the interview:

??Biomechanical Engineering’s Role: Biomechanics applies the laws of physics to biological systems, particularly human movement, to improve tools, environments, and overall well-being. It plays a role in everyday objects like shoes and chairs, optimizing them for human health and performance.

??♂?Personal Journey into Biomechanics: Karl Zelik’s fascination with pushing the limits of the human body began in his childhood, where sports injuries and reckless behavior led to broken bones. His transition to biomechanics in college offered a safer way to explore these limits through assistive technologies like exoskeletons and prosthetics.

??Significant Innovation—HeroWear Exosuit: Zelik’s lab developed the HeroWear Apex 2, a back exosuit that reduces strain by 50-100 pounds with each lift, helping workers in industries like logistics and manufacturing avoid long-term injuries. The exosuit is now used globally and helps workers remain productive and healthy.

??Assistive Technology in Healthcare: Zelik sees the future of assistive technology rapidly evolving, especially with major milestones like robotic exoskeletons gaining Medicare reimbursement codes. He believes these technologies will have a significant impact on patients, clinicians, and caregivers, though much work still lies ahead to fully integrate them.

??Comfort is Key in Wearable Tech: Zelik’s experience has taught him that no matter how effective a technology is, it won’t be used if it’s uncomfortable. His design process now emphasizes comfort, practicality, and user experience, ensuring that wearable devices are physically, thermally, and socially comfortable for the end user.

??User-Centric, Iterative Design Process: Zelik advocates for designing assistive technology with the user’s needs at the forefront. His lab engages users early in the design process, considering factors like comfort, ease of movement, and affordability. Practicality is as important as effectiveness, ensuring real-world applicability.

??Advancing Remote Patient Monitoring: Zelik’s lab is currently focused on using wearable sensors for remote patient monitoring post-surgery. By embedding sensors in shoes and using machine learning, they can track bone healing and recovery in real-time, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes for patients with lower-limb fractures.

??Real-Life Inspiration for Research: Zelik’s research ideas often come from everyday experiences, like his own back pain as a parent, which led to the development of a back exosuit. He also draws from industry needs and end-user feedback, balancing practical challenges with scientific inquiry.

???Translating Complex Concepts for Diverse Audiences: Zelik has honed his ability to simplify technical content for a wide range of audiences, from school children to military leaders. He emphasizes tailoring his communication to the interests and needs of each group, practicing science communication as a core skill.

??Balancing Multiple Roles: While Zelik is prolific in his work as a researcher, educator, entrepreneur, and social media presence, he acknowledges the challenge of balancing these roles. He credits his teams and family for supporting him as he navigates the demands of academia and industry, while continuing to focus on fewer but higher-impact priorities.

?? If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of biomechanical engineering and how it intersects with design, don't miss the full interview with Karl Zelik . It's a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about innovation.

?? Read the full interview here!

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