Created: 2025.08.27. 11:26
Széchenyi István University is collaborating with Shanghai Jiao Tong University—ranked among the world’s top 50 higher education institutions—to develop 5G-based intelligent rehabilitation and assistive robotic systems. Within this framework of healthcare technology innovation, the Győr-based University is expected to contribute by providing communication and data management infrastructure, as well as conducting clinical validation.
Széchenyi István University actively supports societal well-being and the advancement of health sciences through research in health technologies and the provision of state-of-the-art healthcare services. To this end, the institution is establishing its MedTech Health Technology Campus at its Zrínyi utca location, continuously expanding its healthcare education programmes, and engaging in significant research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities in the field. One such initiative is the establishment of a Hungarian–Chinese joint research laboratory aimed at implementing 5G-enabled intelligent rehabilitation and assistive robotic systems. The cooperation focuses on the development of a modular, AI-supported rehabilitation system based on 5G technology. The system will comprise a smart wheelchair, a flexible exoskeleton (i.e., a mobility-assisting device), and a cloud platform capable of real-time data processing.
.webp "Within the cooperation between Széchenyi István University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, several developments will be realised, including an intelligent wheelchair.")
Within the cooperation between Széchenyi István University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, several developments will be realised, including an intelligent wheelchair.
“We are proud that our University is partnering in this programme with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which is recognized as one of the world’s top fifty universities,” emphasized Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations. She added that the Chinese university ranks 47th on the Quacquarelli Symonds global list, 52nd on the Times Higher Education ranking, and 46th on the U.S. News Best Global Universities list.
According to the project plan, the Shanghai-based partner will be responsible for developing autonomous navigation capabilities for the wheelchair and the human–machine interaction features of the exoskeleton. Széchenyi István University will provide the 5G-based communication and data management infrastructure, along with the clinical validation processes. The aim is to achieve precise motion tracking in real-life environments, ensure safe navigation, enable personalized rehabilitation, and facilitate remote medical supervision. The project is expected to result in functional prototypes, patents, academic publications, international workshops, and student research exchanges.
.webp "The novelty of the exoskeleton developed within the cooperation lies in real-time data collection.")
The novelty of the exoskeleton developed within the cooperation lies in real-time data collection.
“As the population ages and musculoskeletal disorders become more prevalent, the demand for advanced rehabilitation aids continues to grow. Therefore, in partnership with the Chinese university, we plan to develop a wheelchair that can be remotely controlled via 5G communication and, thanks to its autonomous functions and integrated artificial intelligence, is capable of navigating independently within buildings — for instance, transporting patients from their rooms to treatment locations while avoiding obstacles,” explained Dr Péter Prukner, Head of the MedTech and SportTech Division at Széchenyi István University’s Digital Development Centre. “In the case of the mobility-assisting exoskeleton, the real innovation lies in real-time data collection and analysis. This allows physicians to instantly assess whether the patient is correctly performing the prescribed exercises. Evaluating bending and gripping forces will also enable easy monitoring of progress and rehabilitation effectiveness.”
The project leader added that a modern laboratory will be established on the MedTech Campus to support the development activities at the institution. Additional University laboratories will also be utilized to carry out the tests required for CE certification. Clinical validation will be conducted in collaboration with staff from the University’s UniMedicampus enterprise and physicians from the Petz Aladár Győr-Moson-Sopron County University Teaching Hospital. Both institutions intend to apply for grant funding to support the implementation of the programme, with Széchenyi István University having submitted a funding application to the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of Hungary.
