Robots are creating devices that adapt to people’s changing needs as they age, enhancing mobility and quality of life.

just lately hosted the “Robotics in Age & Assistive Tech” occasion in collaboration with and . Held on the Harvard Science & Engineering Complicated, the occasion introduced collectively a various group of stakeholders to debate the challenges and options within the quickly rising area of robotics and assistive expertise.

This occasion examined the potential of robots and artificial intelligence to enhance mobility, autonomy, and overall wellness for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities. The event highlighted the crucial role of interdependence among research institutions, healthcare providers, and innovative start-ups in developing groundbreaking solutions for the aging and assistive technology sectors.

Before formal classes commenced, participants had the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the campus, courtesy of Professor Conor Walsh’s expert leadership. The Transfer Lab is a collaborative space where engineering and design converge to develop meaningful wearable technologies that enhance mobility. Walsh’s expert analysis showcased the transformative impact of robots on healthcare and rehabilitation systems, unveiling new avenues for innovative patient care and recovery strategies.

The event commenced by tackling the pressing issues surrounding aging populations and their accompanying mobility impairments. Perspectives from Drs. Indra Sandal and Kevin White of Tampa Veterans Hospital offered valuable insights into the mobility needs of patients in both hospital and rehabilitation settings, shedding light on the critical importance of effective mobility solutions for optimal care and recovery. Experts underscored the vital role of technological advancements in meeting the growing need for mobility devices and support systems within the healthcare sector’s offerings.

The AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative, led by Danielle Duplin, also highlighted the specific challenges facing aging populations. Her expertise underscores the importance of developing inclusive, affordable solutions that prioritize “pleasure” and empower seniors to engage with instruments and technologies that are intuitive and easy to use, fostering a sense of autonomy.

Additionally, Michael Bankowski, founder of Affluent Well-being, highlighted the pivotal role of caregivers amidst the significant hurdles they encounter. As populations age, there is an escalating need for innovative assistive technologies that can effectively support both caregivers and the individuals in their care.

The event featured a series of presentations by leading experts in the fields of robotics and assistive technologies. Paolo Bonato, director of the Movement Evaluation Laboratory at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, discussed findings from the hospital’s BioRobotics Laboratory, highlighting innovations in rehabilitation expertise and wearable robotics designed to aid individuals with mobility impairments.

Kyu-Jin Cho, a researcher from the BioRobotics Laboratory at Seoul National University, joined forces with Lou Awad of the Neuromotor Restoration Laboratory at Boston College to share their findings on wearable technology and neuro-motor rehabilitation. The researchers’ findings showcased the profound impact of wearable robotics on enabling individuals to reclaim lost motor skills and autonomy.

Classes focused on the intersection of startup innovation, robotic technologies, and assistive science commercialization.

Paul Gudonis, CEO of [Company], a pioneer in medical rehabilitation robotics, shared a notable success story. Gudonis highlights the transformative impact of Myomo’s innovative robotic technology, empowering individuals with upper limb impairments to regain autonomy and confidence in their daily lives by overcoming previously insurmountable challenges.

The highlight of the event was the Startups Showcase, where nine innovative robotics startups seized the opportunity to present their pioneering concepts to an engaged audience. Firms were given a mere three minutes to showcase the pivotal role their expertise plays in advancing the realm of assistive and mobility technology. Startups included:

• Within the realm of innovation, led by the visionary Jay Singh, a pioneering robotic device has been designed to facilitate seamless switching between treatments for individuals with afflictions, expertly controlled by a single operator.
• The ATDev team, led by Todd Roberts, is developing a cutting-edge robotic knee brace designed to facilitate seamless rehabilitation anywhere. 
• Founded by Marcio Macedo, Ava Robotics is pioneering the development of innovative robotic solutions for remote caregiving.
• Cobionix, a pioneering innovation by Matthew Sefati, is revolutionizing the realm of autonomous medical robots designed specifically for healthcare providers.

• Amaury Ciurana pioneered REEV, a pioneering innovator of motorized knee braces designed specifically to facilitate patient-centered mobility assistance for individuals with post-stroke rehabilitation needs.

• Tatum Robotics, a company founded by Samantha Johnson and led as CEO, is dedicated to empowering the deafblind community by developing its inaugural unbiased communication device.

• Tombot, introduced by Tom Stevens, offers robotic pets designed for individuals who cannot safely or virtually take care of their own.

• Wearable Robotic Orthoses Led by Danish Shaikh: UnOrthoDOKS Revolutionizes Knee Rehabilitation
• Verve Movement – Brendan Quinlivan’s innovative agile exosuit concept for a safer, more efficient workforce on-the-move.

As the event’s sponsor, Paul Loschak from Medtronic concluded the session by highlighting the pivotal role that collaborative efforts between companies play in fuelling innovation. As Medtronic’s participation underscored, fostering collaborations between business leaders, startups, academic institutions, and healthcare providers is crucial to develop lasting solutions addressing the needs of aging and mobility-impaired individuals.

After the events, participants were afforded the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions and explore innovative startup demonstrations, providing a firsthand glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies transforming the future of healthcare and assistive technology.

The “Robotics in Age and Assistive Tech” event facilitated cross-sector discussions and partnerships, fostering innovation. As populations continue to age, the demand for cutting-edge robotics and AI-powered solutions will undoubtedly rise. Through converging forces of healthcare providers, research institutions, and technology innovators, MassRobotics, The Grid, and Harvard’s Transfer Lab are occupying a strategic crossroads in crafting a future where cutting-edge innovation enables individuals with mobility impairments to live more autonomously and fully.

For those invested in advancing aging-related research and assistive technologies, the event served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of collective efforts, creative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to overcoming the obstacles that lay ahead? 

This text was reprinted from its original source with minimal editing to enhance brevity and readability.