Current research projects at LABO focus primarily on the musculoskeletal system as part of a long-term vision to improve our
knowledge of most functional aspects of this important anatomical system. This ranges from traditional cadaver research to more
elaborate data collection using state-of-the-art technologies and methods available at the LABO. The development of musculoskeletal
modeling is directly linked to improved patient and clinical care. However, the LABO also has a long-standing collaboration with the
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (IRSNB) to study how the same musculoskeletal modeling can solve problems related to
human evolution and paleoanthropology. 
LABO is also working on an international collaboration to reconstruct a complete 3D Neanderthal skeleton from the Spy II
Neanderthal remains using the musculoskeletal modeling system developed by LABO. Previous versions of this 3D skeleton have enabled
scientists to print life-size Neandertal skeletons and artists to create realistic models (exhibited at the NHM, London, the Galerie de
l'Évolution, RBINS Brussels, and the Musée Spy in Onoz-Spy, the Musée de l'Homme, Paris and the Musée Abri Cro-Magnon in Les
Eyzies de Tayac). 
Ongoing biomechanical studies at LABO have demonstrated that Neanderthal joint surfaces are fully compatible with modern human
movement patterns, and may even have a mechanical advantage in the lever arms of the knee and hip. This contrasts with previous
studies of Neanderthal gait and locomotion, which tended to show that Neanderthals were disadvantaged in some way compared to modern
humans, due to their short limbs, heavy weight, long calcaneals, etc. 
LABO members are also working on international projects to reconstruct the lower limbs of Homo naledi to analyze the potential
kinematics of walking, and a Homo erectus thorax to analyze the potential kinematics of breathing in fossil hominids.