Taiwan once again demonstrated its innovation power at the 124th Concours Lepine in Paris. Notably, Yeh Chin-yu, a proud alumnus of Chung Shan Medical University, stood out by winning two gold medals. He presented two impressive inventions under the theme “AI rehab tech”, which quickly became a highlight at the global event.
Specifically, Yeh showcased the SMARC AI Functional Training System and the SMARC Rehabilitation Training Chair. These devices impressed the judges and attendees with their advanced features and practical use. With a deep understanding of physical therapy, Yeh built these devices to assist patients in need of rehabilitation.
Unlike traditional equipment, the SMARC system uses motion recognition and AI to deliver precise evaluations. During a simple 90-second movement session, patients sit and perform guided actions. Meanwhile, the system measures their range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination.
Then, the AI delivers instant feedback along with custom training plans. Furthermore, it stores progress records in the cloud. This feature helps caregivers monitor rehabilitation over time. Therefore, AI rehab tech not only supports patients but also makes long-term care more effective and personalized.
In addition, the training chair brings unique benefits. It adapts to different ability levels and focuses on the lower limbs, pelvis, and core. As a result, this design makes it perfect for older adults or those recovering from mobility issues. Specifically, the chair improves squat control and reduces fall risks—two major concerns for the elderly.
Thanks to Yeh’s dedicated effort, both devices now have safety certifications. Currently, they already operate in care centers across Taiwan and Japan. Moreover, Chung Shan Medical University’s own hospital will soon begin using them for rehabilitation and assessments.
Yeh also stressed the power of AI and big data in healthcare. He believes they can ease the strain on medical systems, reduce costs, and delay age-related decline.
This year, Concours Lepine drew over 250 patented inventions. Among foreign exhibitors, Taiwan led the way with 35 companies and 61 inventions. In total, Taiwan secured 6 gold, 10 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Yeh’s AI rehab tech success further added to this proud record.
Several other Taiwan-based projects also attracted attention. These included algae-derived fluorescent protein for precision medicine and a lotus-leaf-inspired waterproof car coating. Additionally, a multifunctional emergency shelter bag designed for disaster relief was very popular.
Overall, Taiwan’s achievements at the Paris expo proved one thing: the country continues to lead with smart, impactful solutions like AI rehab tech that improve lives worldwide.
