Innovating Mobility: PMIL Student Eric Mao’s Smart Ankle Exoskeleton Impresses at Regeneron ISEF 2025
Eric Mao, a junior at the Princeton International School of Math and Science, represented Mercer County, New Jersey, on the global stage at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio. His project, "Design an Ankle Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation After Injury," was one of the most forward-looking biomedical entries at the event, tackling a vital need in injury recovery and physical rehabilitation.
🎥 Watch the ISEF 2025 Highlight Reel
Reimagining Rehabilitation with AI-Powered Robotics
Eric’s project focused on building a wearable 3-degree-of-freedom ankle exoskeleton, a lightweight, adaptive system that uses sensors and artificial intelligence to help people recover from ankle injuries. Unlike traditional rehab devices, his design includes:
EMG and IMU sensors to track user motion in real-time.
AI models using Support Vector Machines to classify gait phases.
Customized torque control through Gaussian Process Regression to assist motion adaptively.
The result is a system that improves gait symmetry, reduces strain, and enhances rehabilitation through precision feedback and real-time adjustments.
Global Stage, Local Roots
Eric advanced to ISEF through the Mercer Science and Engineering Fair, competing as part of the USNJ03 delegation. Though he did not receive a formal prize at the international competition, his work stood proudly among over 1,700 student scientists from 62 countries and regions.
His mentor, Adam Kemp, supported the development of this complex integration of biomechanics, robotics, and machine learning, all engineered by a high school junior with a passion for medical innovation.
Looking Ahead
Eric’s smart exoskeleton is more than just a science project, it represents the future of accessible and intelligent physical therapy. His ISEF experience showcases the importance of early STEM research and how student innovation can drive change across industries.
To learn more about his project, visit the official ISEF entry:
🔗 ISEF Project Page – Wenqing Mao
For more stories from Regeneron ISEF awards 2025, explore the Society for Science.
