SmILE Project Featured on SciLux Podcast

The SmILE project (Smart Implants for Life Enrichment) recently took centre stage in an episode of the SciLux science podcast, where the spotlight was on how smart medical technology could transform orthopaedic care. Joining the conversation to explain the goals and potential impact of the project were project coordinator Prof. Arndt-Peter Schulz from Fraunhofer IMTE in Germany and project partner Dr. Bernd Grimm from the Luxembourg Institute of Health.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and back pain affect millions across Europe and are the most common reason people see a doctor. While they may not be fatal, they can greatly reduce quality of life. “You don’t die from hip arthritis, but every step you make is causing pain,” explained Prof. Schulz.

The SmILE project is developing smart implants that can monitor a patient’s recovery from inside the body. These implants generate data that could help detect complications early and enable more tailored treatments. “By collecting movement data directly from the implant, we can reduce the need for repeated X-rays and hospital visits. That saves time, money and exposure to radiation, while still giving doctors the information they need,” said Dr. Grimm.

A key innovation of SmILE lies in how it treats health data - not as a commercial asset locked in by manufacturers, but as a shared European resource. Many current devices use closed software, meaning data can’t be shared or reused. “If the data isn’t accessible, the patient is tied to one manufacturer,” Prof. Schulz pointed out.

To tackle this, SmILE is building a platform that supports open, EU-wide data exchange, while fully respecting patient privacy. Privacy and transparency are fundamental and all personal data is handled under GDPR rules, so that patients remain in control of what is shared and with whom.

“People are curious about what’s happening in their bodies, but also cautious about sharing data,” Prof. Schulz acknowledged. That’s why SmILE includes plans for a patient advisory board, ensuring that ethical concerns and user trust are built into the project from the ground up.

The full episode, recorded at the University of Luxembourg’s Media Centre, is available here.