iCal

Questions to be answered

• What research is being done on occupational exoskeletons?
• What different types of exoskeletons are there?
• How does it feel to wear an exoskeleton?
• To which extent have exoskeletons been adopted?
• Which aspects are important to enhance acceptance of people to wear exoskeletons?

Description

This second workshop on exoskeletons focuses on how exoskeleton technologies developed by European research groups and companies are making an impact in the real world. It brings together experts and practitioners to discuss the transition from laboratory development to market adoption in the context of rehabilitation, assistance, and occupational exoskeletons. This workshop emphasizes (user-centered) design, control, and acceptance of exoskeletons.

Organisation of the WS

• 16:00 - 16:05 Introduction (Dr. Shirley A. Elprama - imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI, Belgium)
• 16:05 - 16:15 EMG-driven adaptive gravity compensation for upper-limb exoskeletons (Dr. Andrea Calanca - University of Verona, Italy)
• 16:15 - 16:25 Introducing SWAG: Pioneering Soft Exosuits for Human Empowerment (Dr. Patrick Holthaus - Robotics Research Group, University of Hertfordshire, UK)
• 16:25 - 16:35 Development of occupational exoskeletons (Dr. Christophe Maufroy - Fraunhofer IPA, Germany)
• 16:35 - 16:45 Towards acceptance in industry and healthcare: subjective evaluation of occupational exoskeletons (Dr. Shirley A. Elprama - imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI, Belgium)
• 16:45 - 17:15 Interactive demos of exoskeletons: Workshop participants will be able to try out different exoskeletons and ask questions to experts about these exoskeletons (all workshop participants)
• 17:15 - 17:20 Closing (Dr. Andrea Calanca - University of Verona, Italy)

Intended outcome

• Participants will gain insights into the current landscape of exoskeleton technology in Europe.
• Attendees will have the opportunity to try exoskeletons firsthand and understand the practical challenges and benefits of their usage.
• Establish a bridge between academic research, industrial needs, and potential users for increased technology adoption.

Speakers, Panelists, etc

Speakers

• Dr. Andrea Calanca - University of Verona, Italy
• Dr. Patrick Holthaus - Robotics Research Group, University of Hertfordshire, UK
• Dr. Christophe Maufroy - Fraunhofer IPA, Germany
• Dr. Shirley A. Elprama - imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI, Belgium

Demo

The final list of exoskeleton demos is still under construction but will include prototypes and commercially available exoskeletons of various EU countries including Italy and Germany.

Topic Groups and/or Innovation networks involved

Not applicable.

Projects involved

• NRRP AVATAR
• SWAG Project
• SUPERHUMAN project

Further information

Not applicable.

Organisers

• Dr. Shirley A. Elprama (imec - SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI), shirley.elprama@vub.be
• Dr. Tommaso Bagneschi (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa), tommaso.bagneschi@santannapisa.it
• Dr. Andrea Calanca (University of Verona), andrea.calanca@univr.it
• Dr. Domenico Chiaradia (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa), domenico.chiaradia@santannapisa.it
• Dr. Cristian Camardella (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa), cristian.camardella@santannapisa.it
• Prof. An Jacobs (imec - SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & FARI),
• Prof. Antonio Frisoli (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna di Pisa)