Bengaluru, India – The first-ever international workshop on "Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton" kicked off today, April 16th, in Bengaluru. Organized by India's Defence Bio-Engineering & Electromedical Laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), the event highlights the nation's growing role in this transformative field.
During the inauguration, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasized the far-reaching applications of exoskeleton technology for both soldiers and civilians. He urged collaboration between researchers, the armed forces, industry, and academic institutions to shape the future of this field.
Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. JP Mathew, delved into the history of exoskeleton research and the challenges researchers are tackling. He highlighted exoskeleton technology's potential impact in rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and enhancing overall human capability, emphasizing its potential as a commercially beneficial dual-use technology.
The workshop also features technical talks by global experts, including Prof. Robert Reiner of ETH, Zurich, and Prof. Arun Jayaraman of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. UK Singh, Director General (Life Sciences), discussed the unique challenges and needs faced by the armed forces, calling for a collaborative research effort to create future exoskeleton technologies for defense and civilian use.
The two-day workshop brings together over 300 researchers, industry leaders, and academics. Exoskeleton technology, which involves wearable structures that augment human capabilities, promises revolutionary advancements in areas ranging from defense and rehabilitation to industrial applications.
