Bengaluru Hosts Inaugural International Workshop on Exoskeleton Technologies

Bengaluru: The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electromedical Laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has spearheaded the first international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton’. Held on April 16-17, 2024, the workshop marks a significant milestone in advancing the frontier of exoskeleton technology.

Inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, and graced by the presence of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. JP Mathew, the event brings together a diverse array of stakeholders from the R&D community, Armed Forces, industry, and academia.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kamat underscored the transformative potential of exoskeleton technology in both military and civilian domains. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges and chart a roadmap for the future of exoskeletons.

Lt. Gen. Mathew delved into the historical trajectory of exoskeleton research, highlighting its evolution from earlier prototypes to contemporary challenges. He emphasized the technology’s significance in rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and augmentation, while also noting its commercial potential as a dual-use technology.

The workshop featured insightful technical talks by esteemed speakers including Prof. Robert Reiner of ETH, Zurich, and Prof. Arun Jayaraman of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. UK Singh, Director General (Life Sciences), shed light on the imminent challenges and requirements from the Armed Forces, urging researchers to collectively address these challenges for the advancement of exoskeleton technologies.

With over 300 participants from DRDO, Services, Industry, Academia, and Research, the workshop serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Exoskeleton technology, characterized by wearable structures that enhance human capabilities, holds immense promise for shaping the future of human-machine interaction.