Designs, develops and tests new assistive technologies and treatments to enhance the lives of older people and those with disabling injuries or illness
The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute has developed into a world-class and unique resource for rehabilitation research. The Kite Research Institute focuses on four key issues in rehabilitation: 1) prevention, 2) return to maximal function (participation), 3) aging in place and 4) optimization of the rehab system. Its mission extends beyond studying problems; instead it seeks to solve problems. This is achieved through providing evidence for policy change, new treatments, and developing commercialized products. KITE is a totally unique research centre that conceives, designs, develops, and validates solutions for our society, particularly given our increasing elderly population and a rapidly growing population living with a physical, cognitive or communicative disability.
3D printing, Proof of concept, Product enhancement, Modelling, Simulation, Prototyping, manufacturing design and development, Custom manufacturing, Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Design engineering, Medical engineering, Neural engineering, Rehabilitation sciences, Industrial design, Rehabilitation, information and telecommunication technologies, Productivity enhancement, Beta and alpha testing, Market identification and commercialization, Artificial intelligence, Robotics, Cardiopulmonary fitness, Brain injury, Disability, Aging, Dementia, Stroke, Parkinson's disease, Assistive technologies, Spinal cord injury, Sleep apnea, Swallowing disorders, Health services research, Balance and mobility, Return on investment of health innovations, Winter accessibility, Challenging environments
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized facility | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| CareLab | Simulation of a hospital room with ensuite bathroom | Development, testing of hospital caregiver support technologies |
| ClimateLab | Refrigeration and heating systems | Wide range of environmental conditions from frozen winter (-20C) to stifling summer (+35C) with up to 95% humidity |
| CEAL motion base | 6 DOF platforms, 4 different payloads: DriverLab, StairLab, StreetLab, WinterLab | Customizable testing environments, such as different terrains and slopes, to solve challenges faced in the real world |
| DriverLab | Driving, weather and glare simulator, eye tracking, physiological measurements | Realistic visual, sound, vibration and motion to study driving performance |
| FallsLab | 2 DOF platform, biomechanical measurements | Balance control |
| HomeLab | Simulation of a typical modest income apartment | Age-in-place, older adult and caregiver support, intelligent home development |
| StairLab | Fully instrumented staircase and ramp, complete biomechanical measurements | Precisely measures body mechanics to study and improve the safety of the built environment |
| SleepLab | Polysomnographic, cardiovascular, audio and video monitoring, alertness testing | Study sleep disorders and difficulties, such sleep apnea |
| StreetLab | Treadmill, 240 degree projection screen, immersive audio system | Simulates 3D streetscapes or realistic scenarios that are adjusted to interact with participants |
| Swallowing Rehabilitation | Ultrasound, intra-oral manometry, surface EMG, airflow, video fluoroscopy, electromagnetic articulography | Understanding the mechanisms, pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment of swallowing disorders and impairments |
| WinterLab | Ice and air chillers, wind turbines, snow machine | Recreates typical Canadian winter conditions with sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice covered surfaces |
| Workshops |
Electronics and Instrumentation Development, Rapid Prototyping, and Mechanical Workshops, Research and Design Studio 5 Axis Mills Fused deposition modelling Live tooling lathe MIG, TIG, stick welding Stereolithography apparatus Surface grinder |
Design, fabrication and validation of prototypes, testing apparatus |
Private and public sector research partners
- Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc.
- AirGuard Medical Products Company
- Andrew J Hart Enterprises Ltd.
- Arjohuntleigh Canada Inc.
- A-Tech Instruments Ltd.
- Baffin Inc.
- Bosch Rexroth AG
- Canada Post Corporation
- Canadian Health Services Research Foundation
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Spinal Cord Injury Canada
- Canadian Stroke Network (NCE)
- Canadian Union of Postal Workers
- Carroll Hospital Group
- CDW Healthcare
- Cimco Refrigeration Division of Toromont Industries Ltd.
- Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario (CAHO)
- Government of Ontario
- Drummond Foundation
- ECHO: Improving Women’s Health in Ontario (agency of MOHLTC)
- Gastle and Associates
- Government of Canada
- HandyMetrics Corporation
- Health Technology Exchange
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
- IBM Canada Ltd
- International Development of Technology
- International Science and Technology
- International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada Inc.
- Lenovo Canada