ProfessorChris Pretty

My research interests are predominantly focused towards bioengineering and mobile robotics.

Within bioengineering, my primary interest is in model-based therapeutics, which is at the intersection of engineering, clinical medicine, and physiology. I am involved with the modelling, sensing, and control of dynamic physiological systems for clinical medicine, especially in the critical care environment. My research has particular emphasis on solutions that provide significant, improved clinical outcomes for patients and reduced cost/effort for clinicians. Examples of my current research activities in this area include:

• Cardiac output sensing and modelling
• Blood glucose sensing and control
• Quantification of stress using heart rate variability and associated metrics
• Blood oxygenation monitoring

At the intersection of bioengineering and mobile robotics, my research involves assistive robotics, particularly for stroke rehabilitation. A specific focus in this area is the integration and interaction of the users muscles with external actuators in a hybrid system to reduce weight and cost, and enable new rehabilitation strategies.

My mobile robotics research also includes accurate localisation methods, inspection, and collaborative robotics involving unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles.