The laboratory was first established in 1998 as the Orthopaedic Engineering and Motion Analysis Laboratory (OEMAL), dedicated to studying the mechanics of the human musculoskeletal system through mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and three-dimensional motion analysis. Early work focused on understanding how bones, ligaments, and muscles interact during movement, and on providing objective, quantitative evidence to support clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation. Through infrared motion capture, multi-segment modeling, and kinetic–kinematic analysis, the lab contributed essential tools for assessing gait, stair negotiation, obstacle crossing, balance tasks, and other functional activities, helping clinicians interpret movement impairments in patients across a wide range of conditions.
Over the years, the lab’s research expanded in scope and sophistication, integrating in-vivo imaging, computational modeling, and translational clinical collaborations. To reflect this evolution, and to better represent its growing emphasis on biomechanics, advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and intelligent movement technologies, the laboratory formally adopted the name Orthopaedic Engineering and Movement Intelligence Laboratory (OEMI Lab).
Today, the OEMI Lab at National Taiwan University is recognized internationally for pioneering dynamic 3D X-ray imaging, global optimization methods for motion reconstruction, wearable sensing, and intelligent models that link engineering innovation to clinical outcomes. Under the leadership of Prof. Tung-Wu Lu, Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (USA), the lab continues to advance precision orthopaedics, movement intelligence, and human-centered engineering—while upholding its original mission established in 1998: to understand movement, restore function, and improve human health.