Intelligent 3D Printed Prosthesis Solution
The project focuses on the development of a digitised and standardised workflow for designing and manufacturing personalised upper-limb prostheses. It combines advanced technologies, including 3D scanning, parametric CAD design, FDM printing, and real-time quality monitoring using artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to replace current limited production methods with a fully repeatable, documented, and scalable system that significantly shortens the lead time from measurement to patient delivery while ensuring high mechanical strength and biocompatibility of the final product.
The research is conducted in collaboration with the main investigator, LAVARIS s.r.o., alongside other faculties of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, and Faculty of Health Studies). The development includes creating a comprehensive software and manufacturing toolchain – ranging from an AI module for automated design and parametric CAD templates to the specification of a reference 3D printing station and the preparation of technical documentation for conformity assessment of custom-made medical devices.
Provider: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Project name: Inteligentní 3D tiskové řešení protézy
Programme: OP TAK – Proof of Concept
Main investigator: LAVARIS s.r.o.
FDA UWB team: Assoc. Prof. Zdeněk Veverka, Tomáš Chochole, Ph.D.
Partner faculties: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Studies
Sub-project duration: 2026–2027
Research and Development of Advanced Medical Technologies (IRT-PAV)
The project focuses on the research and development of innovative medical and security technologies in cooperation with research centres, clinical teams, and integrated rescue system units. The objective is to transfer cutting-edge applied research insights into practice through comprehensive tools for healthcare and crisis management.
The Industrial Design Studio at FDA UWB is responsible for the formal, structural, and ergonomic design of the developed devices. Design serves as a bridge between high-end technology and its intuitive, functional, and safe application in practice.
Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Project name: Pre-application Research of Infrared Measurement and Imaging Systems for Smart Cities and Security Systems
Programme: OP JAC – Cross-sectoral Cooperation for ITI
Coordinator: University of West Bohemia (NTC – New Technologies – Research Centre)
FDA UWB Involvement: Mgr. art. Jan Korabečný
Project Partners: Charles University (Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen), University Hospital Pilsen, Emergency Medical Service of the Pilsen Region, Fire Rescue Service of the Pilsen Region, Regional Police Directorate of the Pilsen Region, Information Technology Department of the City of Pilsen, Techmania Science Center
FDA UWB Period of Involvement: 2026–2028
Development of a Tissue Decellularisation Tool for Livers
The project focuses on the development of a tool for the decellularisation of liver tissues, which serve as biomaterial for future transplantations. The aim of the research is to replace current laboratory solutions with an ergonomic system that ensures maximum gentleness to the organ, reduces process time, and eliminates errors during handling and perfusion (washing).
The development follows a co-design methodology in cooperation with the Biomedical Center of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University. Based on the analysis of real procedures and 3D prototyping, a modular system was created, featuring a visually contrasting ring with integrated tubing fixation. This solution allows intuitive control over the position of the tissue without the need for harsh interventions. Current research is directed towards finalising the material solution using chemically resistant plastics and designing a specialised container that further simplifies handling and increases the stability of the entire setup in a clinical environment. Testing of the third functional prototype is underway throughout 2026.
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR)
Project name: TA ČR SIGMA – DC1 TQ11000009 – Podpora komerčních příležitostí ZČU III
Sub-project duration: 1. 1. 2026 – 31. 12. 2026
Lead Investigator for FDA UWB: Mgr. art. Jan Korabečný
RehabTech-Bridge
Provider: Interreg Czechia–Bavaria
Project name: Propojení rehabilitační praxe a asistivní robotiky v bavorsko-českém pohraničí
(Linking Rehabilitation Practice and Assistive Robotics Engineering in the Bavarian-Czech Border Region)
FDU UWB team: Assoc. Prof. Zdeněk Veverka, Tomáš Chochole, Ph.D.
Partners: Deggendorf Institute of Technology – TC Cham, Faculty of Health Care Studies – UWB
Sub-project duration: 2026–2029
The project responds to the need within the Czech-Bavarian border region to develop coordinated education in the field of assistive and rehabilitation robotics, where a shared understanding between healthcare professions, engineering, and design is currently lacking. The objective of the project is to establish a methodological framework that integrates robotics, physiotherapy, and design with the application of artificial intelligence. Its innovative contribution lies in the development and pilot testing of an interdisciplinary teaching format, allowing students from both universities to work in mixed teams and collaboratively address both technical and healthcare challenges. The project builds upon previous cross-border cooperation and engages expert partners to ensure it reflects real-world professional needs.
Spa Research Centre
The project aims to build infrastructure for research in spa care and balneology with direct benefits for the Karlovy Vary Region. One sub-project explores the effectiveness of therapeutic outdoor activities in spa landscapes. It is a joint effort by the Faculty of Health Care Studies and the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art. The research focuses on involving patients in rehabilitation during a three-week spa stay. The design faculty is responsible for signage and outdoor elements that support movement in natural settings.
Provider: The Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic
Project name: Centrum lázeňského výzkumu
Programme: Operational Programme Just Transition
FDA implementation team: Assoc. Prof. MgA. Zdeněk Veverka, Mgr. Tomáš Chochole, Ph.D.
Joint project with the Faculty of Health Care Studies, UWB
Partners: University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (Faculty of Health Care Studies, Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, Faculty of Economics), Czech Technical University in Prague, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Project duration: 2024–2027