KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 26, 2025

Kennesaw State University student William Thompson is blending engineering with rehabilitation in a project that seeks to design an automated exoskeleton to aid victims of stroke.

William Thompson, a mechanical engineering major, is working with Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ayse Tekes on the project, “Development and Testing of Bio-Inspired and Lightweight Exoskeleton for Enhanced Upper Body Mobility” as a part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Utilizing a Raspberry Pi, IMU sensors, and cable-driven actuation, Thompson is helping create an automated exoskeleton to alleviate possible long-term symptoms from strokes, like the loss of upper body mobility. The exoskeleton will provide stroke victims with the opportunity to return to their daily lives, by offering a partial solution to hemiparesis and hemiplegia, diagnoses that refer to weakness in the upper body and in severe cases complete paralysis.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 795,000 people suffer strokes each year with the majority being first-time strokes. Strokes typically have long lasting effects that can completely uproot a person’s life and routine.

Thompson has participated in multiple research programs through the Office of Undergraduate Research, beginning as a freshman in the First-Year Scholars Program.

“The First-Year Scholars Program opened the door for me into get into research,” Thompson said, “and the Summer Undergraduate Research Program allowed me to get a hands-on experience, especially in the engineering field.”

SURP is an excellent opportunity for students to get their hands dirty while under the guidance of an experienced mentor, leading them to understand what it’s like to work in a lab. Students and faculty also receive funding for being a part of SURP, which assists students who may struggle with balancing school, work, and research.

“Thank you to Dr. Tekes for pushing me daily and weekly, “Thompson said, “and for helping me throughout this research.”

– Story by Alyssa Ozment

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.