Over 60% of people with Female-at-Birth (FAB) anatomy experience symptoms of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). As one of the the main treatment providers of PFDs, physiotherapists rely on learning the practical examination skills that enable them to diagnose and treat patients, through peer practice. With this being an intimate examination and with peers unlikely to present with the range of PFDs that exist, being able to identify these in clinic is described as 'trial and error' and 'learning on the job'. While commercial simulators are utilised for teaching pelvic examination skills, none exhibit pelvic floor dynamics such as muscle contractions.

 This project explores the development of a high-fidelity, dynamic pelvic floor simulator for physiotherapists' training as well as for use in educating their patients. To do so, we will draw on soft robotics to fabricate artificial muscles that can demonstrate a range of PFDs and consult with physiotherapists to understand their needs and requirements throughout the design process.