Paul-Otto Müller

Hochschulstr. 10

64289 Darmstadt

Germany

I am a PhD researcher at the Simulation, Systems Optimization and Robotics Group at Technical University of Darmstadt, supervised by Professor Oskar von Stryk.

My research focuses on developing exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This work combines robotics, biomechanical modeling, and human-robot interaction to create assistive devices that can help patients with jaw mobility and pain management.

research interests

Exoskeletons & Rehabilitation Robotics: Design and control of assistive devices
Human-Robot Interaction: Particularly in medical and rehabilitation contexts
Soft Robotics: Exploring soft robotic designs and actuators and their applications in rehabilitative robotics
Machine Learning for Robotics: Including visuotactile sensing and control

current projects

Development of an active exoskeleton for TMD rehabilitation
Open-source jaw modeling framework for patient-specific simulations

I’m always interested in collaborations related to my research areas. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss potential projects or have questions about my work.

NOTE: This personal website is still under construction…

news

May 27, 2025	Personal website launch

selected publications

Jaw Exoskeletons
Exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorders: a comprehensive review

Paul-Otto Müller, Robert Sader, and Oskar von Stryk

Frontiers in Robotics and AI, May 2025

Abs DOI Bib

Despite the many technological advancements in exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of lower or upper limbs, there has been limited exploration of their application in treating temporomandibular disorders, a set of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the masticatory system. By collecting data, implementing assisting and resisting training routines, and encouraging active patient engagement, exoskeletons could provide controlled and individualized exercise with flexibility in time and location to aid in the recovery or improvement of jaw mobility and function. Thus, they might offer a valuable alternative or complement to conservative physiotherapy. In this context, the review aims to draw attention to rehabilitating temporomandibular disorders with the help of exoskeletons by looking at the advantages and opportunities these devices potentially provide. After stating the requirements and resulting scientific challenges in various fields and discussing the state of the art, existing research gaps and deficiencies will be discussed, highlighting areas where further research and development is needed.
@article{Mueller2025b, author = {Müller, Paul-Otto and Sader, Robert and {von Stryk}, Oskar}, title = {Exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorders: a comprehensive review}, journal = {Frontiers in Robotics and AI}, year = {2025}, volume = {12}, month = may, issn = {2296-9144}, doi = {10.3389/frobt.2025.1492275}, publisher = {Frontiers Media SA}, }