We are pleased to announce that two projects developed at the Department of Microelectronics and Computer Science at Lodz University of Technology (TUL) were awarded Gold Medals at the prestigious PRO INVENT 2026 International Salon of Scientific Research, Innovation, and Inventions, held from October 14–16, 2026, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
The first Gold Medal was awarded to the project titled "Personalized Protective Clothing for Mountain Rescuers with Active Heating (SPPARTAN)." This project was carried out under the European Regional Development Fund, Priority Axis IV: "Increasing the Scientific and Research Potential," Measure 4.1: "Scientific Research and Development Work," Sub-measure 4.1.4: "Application Projects" (grant agreement no. POIR.04.01.04-00-0070/18). The development phase of the project resulted in a prototype clothing system (comprising base layers, mid-layers, and outerwear) that was refined and optimized based on field tests and designed to meet all relevant regulatory requirements. The research covered textile materials and heating elements, as well as techniques for integrating and optimally positioning them. Work on the control system included selecting appropriate signals and sensor types, determining their placement, and establishing communication with a central processing unit. An intelligent heating control algorithm was also developed, which optimizes energy consumption while adapting to the user's individual preferences. The use of anthropometric measurements enables the creation of clothing items personalized in terms of size.
This project was also honored with a Special Award granted by the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu.
A second Gold Medal was awarded for the project "Innovative System for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Balance Disorders (INNOREH)" which was carried out under the STRATEGMED program (grant agreement no. STRATEGMED2/266299/19/NCBR/2016). The project resulted in an electronic and IT-based system consisting of a set of sensors and a dedicated application, which allow for the collection and visualization of measurement data, as well as the assessment of a patient's balance function based on that data. The system can be effectively used as a tool for static and functional posturography (both conducted in specialized clinical settings under the supervision of qualified medical personnel) and for monitoring the rehabilitation process of patients with balance disorders. The mobile nature of the device also allows it to be used in a home environment.
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