Hello again! We’re back with another update from my time in Bilbao. Today was a full day, starting with a return to the engineering building where we visited several innovative labs. We began in a lab focused on gait analysis and stroke rehabilitation. The team there studies how a person’s center of mass shifts during movement, which is crucial for helping stroke patients relearn how to walk. One method involves attaching over 50 sensors to a patient’s body, which is not only time-consuming but can be impractical and unreliable. For instance, something as simple as body hair can interfere with the sensors, requiring it to be shaved beforehand. To improve on this, the lab is now using advanced body-scanning sensors that detect movement without direct contact. These sensors produce real-time visualizations on a screen, showing key data points like the center of mass. I enjoyed watching my little figure wave back and copy the movements I made. They’ve also received equipment from nearby hospitals to build simulated hospital rooms for research. One project focuses on fall prevention, which is a major concern in hospital settings. Some of the preventive measures mentioned are great in theory, but can make patients feel restricted or confined. One solution is a non-camera motion sensor that can track movement discreetly and alert staff to risky behavior, all while respecting patient privacy. As someone with a nursing background, I’ve seen firsthand how common falls are in hospitals. Even with existing motion and weight-sensitive alarms, there’s often not enough time for nurses to respond. It’s encouraging to see engineers working on better, more responsive systems.
In the next lab, we got to see Dr. Diez and Dr. Herrero’s two-plate dynamic balance machine, which started to be developed after the Oreka Balance mentioned in my earlier blogs. This newer device focuses on measuring force and pressure during stepping motions, helping stroke patients retrain their gait during rehabilitation. A key challenge in recovery is how the center of mass shifts when relearning to walk. This machine aims to assist with that, offering feedback during rehibilitation. The research is still in early stages, but it’s inspiring to see the development process. I am interested to see how this research continues to develop and see where it goes.
We then toured a robotics lab where engineers work on machines designed for precision assembly lines. The systems use flexible but rigid parallel manipulators that move smoothly without damaging products. Though I don’t understand all of the mechanics and all behind these machines, it was really cool to see the behind-the-scenes of how they are built and tested. We also got a peek into the lab next door, with a lot of the big machines where the devices are made. There were 3D printers and water cutters, and all. We learned that unfortunately, the engineering building was designed with a few flaws on how to get these big machines in and every time they get another they have to move them all around to make space for them to by fitting in through small doors or from another level, especially since the sky light was sealed.
After lunch at the engineering building, we made our way to the Vizcaya Bridge (also known as Puente de Vizcaya or the Hanging Bridge). Built in 1893, this structure is the world’s oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vizcaya Bridge is open 24/7 and still functions as a crucial crossing point over the Nervión River. We took the elevator up and then got to walk across the top. At first I thought I was gonna be nervous being that high up, but I wasn’t instead, I was just worried about dropping my phone off while taking thousands of photos. It was a very windy day, so my hair was everywhere, and it was a bit chilly, but I walked across, taking in all of the scenery, and then we walked back across and went back down. After we took the little fairy across back and forth, it was super cool because not only can pedestrians take it, but also cars can be loaded onto it. The best part was on the way back to the metro, we passed some construction on the sidewalk, and they had old sidewalk tiles, and the construction guy let me take one. All during the trip, I joked about wanting one as my souvenir and that I would have to find a way to dig one up, so it was crazy that I would actually get to take home a piece of Bilbao.
When we got back to Albando station on the metro, we took some time to pack our bags because we leave for Gernika tomorrow. Then I embraced the culture of siesta here and took the most lovely nap. Then we went back into our favorite place, Old Town, and got dinner and pintxos, imma really miss doing that as it was probably my highlight of the trip. We headed back to the hotel on the earlier side to finish our blogs and get a good night’s rest before an early and busy morning tomorrow.
-Paige Colson
