Menu

WearRAcon Conference - 25 October

Conference Overview

Program WearRAcon - 26 October

09.00 am - 09.30 am | Arrival and registration

09.30 am - 10.00 am | Welcome Speech

Dr. Christophe Maufroy, Fraunhofer IPA, Germany

10.00 am - 11.00 am | Keynote speech: Wearable Robotics at The BioRobotics Institute

Photo: Nicola Vitiello

Prof. Nicola Vitiello, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna

Ageing population affects society welfare sustainability. The ageing of the population is one of the most critical challenges current industrialized societies will have to face in the next years, and threatens the sustainability of our social welfare. Among many diseases, gait disorders are common and often devastating companions of ageing, leading to reductions in quality of life and increased mortality. This presentation will introduce the research activities carried out at The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in the field of wearable robots for human movement assistance, rehabilitation and augmentation.

11.00 am - 11.30 am | Coffee break

 

Session A1 - Exoskeletons and Exosuits Technologies I

Session B1 - Assessment and Human Factors I

Control of active exoskeletons for industrial applications

Photo: IIT

11.30 am - 12.00 am

Dr. Jesús Ortiz,
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Abstract:
The successful implementation of active exoskeletons in industrial settings hinges on their ability to effectively adapt to a wide range of tasks and scenarios. Achieving this versatility relies heavily on the diversity and precision of their control strategies. In this presentation, we will delve into our latest research on control strategies for industrial active exoskeletons that assist the lower back, shoulders, and elbows, highlighting their potential to improve workplace safety and efficiency.

Evaluation of passive and active exoskeletons using wearable sensors and Digital Human Models

Photo: Emile Loraux

11.30 am - 12.00 am

Prof. Serena Ivaldi,
INRIA

Abstract:
The talk overviews the methodologies we developed to evaluate the use of passive and active exoskeletons, including wearable sensors and Digital Human Models. In the case of passive exoskeletons, we also discuss the deployment in a hospital for assisting medical staff.

Development of wearable exoskeletons for effective human motion assistance

Photo: s. bai

12.00 am - 12.30 pm

Prof. Shaoping Bai,
Aalborg University

Abstract:
This talk will provide a brief overview of exoskeleton development at the Exoskeleton Lab, AAU, addressing research challenges in the assistive exoskeleton design and development. Research issues including innovative mechanism design, physical human-exoskeleton interaction, sensing and control, and performance assessment will be covered. Some novel designs and sensing methods will be introduced, along with some examples of exoskeletons for rehabilitations and for workplace assistances.

Lessons Learned from Evaluating Industrial Exoskeletons

Photo: Elisa Ambach

12.00 am - 12.30 pm

Lennart Ralfs,
Universität Innsbruck

Abstract:
The lecture addresses a mixed-method approach to the evaluation of industrial exoskeletons, which enables a multi-layered analysis of the effects of exoskeletons and the work processes. For this purpose, exemplary study results address the biomechanical effect, ergonomics, or acceptance and usability of exoskeletons. The many years of knowledge and experience are summarized in recommendations for action and a guideline that can contribute to the targeted practical use of exoskeletons in industrial applications.

Quantification of the mechanical properties of the physical human-exoskeleton interface - Results of a subject study investigating upper arm interfaces.

Photo: Jonas Schiebl

12.30 pm - 01.00 pm

Jonas Schiebl,
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Abstract:
Forces and torques acting in physical human-exoskeleton interfaces cause relative movement of the exoskeleton with respect to the human body. Knowledge of the quantitative relationships between acting loads and the resulting relative displacements could enable more precise model-based analyses that can more accurately represent the biomechanical interaction between human and exoskeleton.
We introduce an experimental setup that can be used to record such mechanical interface data experimentally. The results from a first pilot study on test subjects’ upper arms including the resulting interface stiffnesses for translational and rotational motions are presented.

The assessment of the Exo4Work shoulder exoskeleton

Photo: Sander De Bock

12.30 pm - 01.00 pm

Dr. Sander De Bock,
Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Abstract:
Within the Exo4Work project, a new passive shoulder exoskeleton was designed. Subsequently, we tested how the support of the exoskeleton affects muscle activity and fatigue, and how it influences the performance during overhead work.

01.00 pm - 02.30 pm | Lunch break

02.30 pm - 04.00 pm | Poster session

NR

Name

Affiliation

Poster title

1

Angel Dacal-Nieto

CTAG

INTEX & SELFEX: SENSORIZED PORTABLE ENVIRONMENTS FOR EVALUATION AND TRAINING OF MANUFACTURING OPERATORS

2

Veronika Hofmann

Fraunhofer IPA

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A PASSIVE LOWER BODY EXOSKELTON FOR AGRICULTURE

3

Thomas Dobosz

Uni Stuttgart

ANALYZING OPERATING HEIGHT FOR SHOULDER EXOSKELETONS IN CONSTRUCTION TASK

4

Volker Bartenbach

Auxivo AG

THE EDUEXO EDUCATIONAL EXOSKELETONS - BRINGING EXOSKELETON TECHNOLOGY INTO CLASSROOMS AND HOMES

5

Catherine Michaud

CRAMIF

INTEGRATION OF EXOSKELETONS AMONG OPERATIONS AGENTS IN BAGGAGE HALLS AT CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT

6

Bent Leudesdorff

Fraunhofer IPA

ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION BY USE OF TOOL-RELATED SIGNALS

7

Jasper Johns

DGUV IFA

ANALYSIS OF THE LUMBAR LOAD REDUCTION OF DIFFERENT BACK-SUPPORT EXOSKELETONS

8

Jan Kuchan

Fraunhofer IPK

WEARABLE SYSTEMS FOR ACTION RECOGNITION OF INDUSTRIAL ASSEMBLY TASKS

9

Leon Lauret

Ruhr University Bochum

EVALUATION OF AN ELASTOMER-BASED UPPER-LIMB EXOSKELETON DURING A SIMULATED DYNAMIC WORK TASK OVER A LARGE SHOULDER WORKSPACE

10

Arjang Ahmadi

TU Darmstadt

ENHANCING HUMAN LOCOMOTION WITH BIARTICULAR SOFT EXOSUIT

11

Angel Galbert

University of Strathclyde

EXOSKELETONS AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR HANDS AND WRISTS: A SCOPING REVIEW

12

Yannis Hahnemann

HTW Berlin

BEYOND BAR CHARTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LINEAR MIXED-EFFECT MODELS AND ANOVA FOR EVALUATING EXOSKELETON PERFORMANCE

13

Annina Brunner

ETH Zürich

USE OF A PASSIVE SHOULDER EXOSKELETON FOR MANUFACTURING - TRANSFER OF LAB FINDINGS TO A REALISTIC WORK SETTING

14

Imke Pitz

HAWK

EFFECTIVNESS OF WEARING AN EXOSKELETON DURING SME SPECIFIC WORK TASKS - PILOT TESTS RESULTS

04.00 pm - 04.20 pm | Coffee break

 

Session A2 - Modeling & Simulation

Session B2 - Exoskeletons & Exosuits Exhibitors I

Simulation-based conceptual design of exoskeleton actuators

Photo: Aalborg University

04.20 pm - 04.50 pm

Prof. John Rasmussen,
Aalborg University

Abstract:
CAE simulation is usually employed in the late stages of the design process where the conceptual design is determined and most cost committed. However, a special mathematical structure of the musculoskeletal analysis problem used to simulate the influence of exoskeletons on the human body allow us to use the simulation to directly point out optimum configurations of actuators in the early stages of the design cycle. This is demonstrated using a few examples from a box lifting task.

Exoskeletons for everday-work - hTRIUS

Photo: Dominik Heinzelmann

04.20 pm - 04.40 pm

Dominik Heinzelmann,
hTRIUS GmbH

Abstract:
To be able to support the workers and reduce injury risk, exoskeletons have to meet the requirements regarding usability in the everyday work of the end users.
Flexibility in movement, support settings and body size need to be built into the exosuits.

Model-based adaptive control of trunk exoskeletons: towards bio-protective robotic technologies

Photo: University of Twente

04.50 pm - 05.20 pm

Prof. Massimo Sartori,
University of Twente

Abstract:
This talk will provide an overview of the research my group is doing, specifically on how we’re aiming to close the loop between human biology and robotic technology ultimately for protecting biological tissues from injuries in assistive and occupational domains. The talk will present advances at the intersection between physiologically correct musculoskeletal modelling, realtime model-based control and wearable robotic technologies with a focus on the human trunk.

Prevention of finger injuries: challenges, approaches and a fitting solution

Photo within the project team.

04.40 pm - 05.00 pm

Miguel Bravo,
Digity GmbH

Abstract:
Exoskeletons used at the workplace for prevention of injuries receive great attention for many body segments. However, passive finger exoskeletons are not widely nor optimally addressed, in spite of the relevant role of our hands in most tasks. In this presentation we will share our research experience identifying the technical aspects that make these devices such a challenge, we will explore the current solutions, and we will present our developed technology that makes the next generation of finger exoskeletons for prevention of finger injuries a reality.

DigitalExonomics - Digital Work Planning and Ergonomic Assessment for the Use of Industrial Exoskeletons

Photo: imk Industrial Intelligence GmbH

05.20 pm - 05.50 pm

Prof. Lars Fritzsche,
imk Industrial Intelligence GmbH

Abstract:
This presentation will give insights to a current research project named "DigitalExonomics", founded by the German Ministry of Education and Research. Purpose of the project is to develop and validate methods for the digital testing and assessment of exoskeletons in industrial use cases. This includes the use of biomechnical and kinematic digital human models (ema Work Designer and Anybody Modelling System), as well as a markeless motion capturing system (The Captury). Results from laboratory studies and field pilots will be presented.

Revolutionary way of changing standing work

Photo: Katsuhiko SAHO

05.00 pm - 05.20 pm

Katsuhiko Saho,
Archelis Inc.

Abstract:
I will introduce our novel exoskeleton suit "archelisFX Stick".“Archelis FX Stick” is an ultra-lightweight exoskeleton assist suit that safeguards workers against lower-back pains and other physical strains from long hours of standing.

20,000+ exoskeletons in the field. Lessons learned and best practice sharing

Photo: David Duwe

05.20 pm - 05.40 pm

David Duwe,
Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons

Abstract:
More and more companies use exoskeletons to keep their employees fit and healthy or to attract new ones?
How do successful implementations look like?
What should I know before jumping into this topic?
Let's find out together based on 10+ year experience in the field of exoskeletons.

Activity-adapted support through active exoskeletons

Photo: exoIQ

05.40 pm - 06.00 pm

Andreas Argubi-Wollesen,
exoIQ GmbH

Abstract:
Exoskeletons lower the required muscle activity for a wide range of work activities via their support performance. However, they do not do this to the same extent for all activities. In certain cases, they can even increase the required muscle activity, especially when users find themselves having to actually work against the support force. Using the example of the active exoskeleton S700, we would like to demonstrate how these unwanted effects can be minimized to the greatest possible extent by means of pre-sets adapted to the activities, thus significantly increasing the user acceptance of exoskeletons.

06.00 pm | Come together with BASI