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Sogang University Mechanical Engineering Department Secures Two 'Advanced Type' Basic Research Lab Projects for 2026

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Two professors from Sogang University's Mechanical Engineering department have been selected for the "2026 Basic Research Lab Support Project (Advanced Type)."
  • Professor Shin Choong-soo will lead research on an "Exo-boot" for gait enhancement using 3D TENG insole and AI control, while Professor Jeong Bong-geun will focus on an "Organoid Chip" for real-time aging detection and AI-based prediction.
  • Each research team will receive 500 million KRW annually for three years, significantly boosting the department's research competitiveness.

Sogang University's Mechanical Engineering department is set to significantly enhance its research capabilities with two professors, Shin Choong-soo and Jeong Bong-geun, being selected as principal investigators for the "2026 Basic Research Lab Support Project (Advanced Type)" funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This dual selection from a single department is a rare achievement, underscoring the faculty's advanced research standing.

Professor Shin Choong-soo will head the "Basic Research Lab for Gait Enhancement Based on 3D TENG Insole Embedded Physical AI Exo-boots." His project aims to develop an exo-boot that enhances walking ability by integrating a self-powered TENG insole for gait sensing and an intelligent AI algorithm for real-time diagnosis and adaptation. The exo-boot will feature a simplified structure and personalized modular design, prioritizing user comfort and usability, building upon previous research in the field.

Based on the technology and experience gained from the ongoing 'Exo-Printed Sensing Suit-based Gait Enhancement Basic Research Lab' project (2023-2026), we aim to develop an exo-boot equipped with differentiated sensing technology and AI control algorithms.

— Shin Choong-sooProfessor at Sogang University's Mechanical Engineering department, explaining the foundation for his new research project.

Professor Jeong Bong-geun, also a director at Sogang's Smart Bio-sensor Research Center, will lead the "Research on Organoid Chip for Real-time Detection of Aging Biomarkers and AI-based Aging Prediction." This project intends to precisely diagnose various biological markers from aging heart organoids using a high-sensitivity sensor chip. By applying AI technology, the research aims to predict aging and develop innovative source technologies to address the challenges of an ultra-aging society.

Both projects are set to receive 500 million KRW annually for three years, totaling 1.5 billion KRW per team. This substantial funding is expected to greatly elevate Sogang University's Mechanical Engineering department's external research competitiveness and foster advancements in areas like wearable AI technology and precision medicine for aging.

We will achieve world-class research goals in the field of organoid chip bio/medical convergence, advancing it into next-generation bio-convergence technology that predicts heart aging and leads precision medicine for aging through real-time analysis.

— Jeong Bong-geunProfessor at Sogang University's Mechanical Engineering department, outlining the vision for his organoid chip research.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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