Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

July 16, 2026 | Lindsay Turner

UTC Research Institute launches Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative

UTC has made an initial institutional investment of $130,000 to support the initiative’s startup efforts.

The initiative brings together more than 10 faculty members from four colleges, making it one of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s (UTC) most multidisciplinary research efforts.

But, with UTC completing over 40 healthcare-related projects over the past five years, the collaboration is a no-brainer.

Dr. Mina Sartipi

“UTC already has significant expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation, human performance and digital health. The Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative provides a framework for bringing those strengths together, supporting student researchers and expanding collaborative projects that can lead to advances in healthcare technology,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi.

The initiative will be lead by Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, Department Head and Professor of Engineering Management and Technology and Director of the Biomechatronic and Assistive Technology Lab.

Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu

“Since joining UTC, I have worked closely with the healthcare field as an engineering faculty member. We are developing devices such as prosthetics and orthoses while also exploring opportunities to apply artificial intelligence in healthcare. This initiative gives us a chance to work more closely with local hospitals and respond to needs we see in the community,” Kaplanoglu said.

Learn more here.



Like what you've read?

Forward to a friend!

Don’t Miss Out on the Southeast’s Latest Entrepreneurial, Business, & Tech News!

Sign-up to get the Teknovation Newsletter in your inbox each morning!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


No, thanks!

Teknovation.biz
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.