Wearable Robotics Association Reorganizing as 501(c)6 in 2021
The Wearable Robotics Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce that in January 2021, we
began the process to reorganize as a 501(c)6 in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As part of this
reorganization, the Board has decided to open three (3) additional seats on the Board to members of
the Association. These seats are designed to provide additional inputs at the Board level for the
strategic direction of the Association. These seats will be open to members representing each of these
three areas: Medical/Rehabilitation use, Industrial use, and Standards/Insurance requirements for
exoskeletons. These board seats will be up for election each year at the annual meeting. Future eBlasts
will detail the process for nominating candidates for the open Board seats.
Our new purpose statement: The Wearable Robotics Trade Association is dedicated to educating and
advancing the wearable robotics and wearable technology industries.
What do these changes mean for members?
1. Increased access to assist in influencing the strategic direction of your association.
2. Increased focus on educational opportunities for students, members, industry and federal
entities.
3. Tax deductibility of sponsorship dollars.
4. Increased ability of the Association to partner with public universities.
5. Increased ability of the Association to partner with federal entities.
We look forward to continuing to work with all of our members and a fantastic community of
businesses, universities, and government agencies similarly aligned with our goal to improve the human
condition through the application of these wearable technologies!
White Paper: Assessment and Best Practices for Upper Body Exoskeletons
Authors:
Jason C. Gillette, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Education
Department of Kinesiology
Iowa State University
Terry Butler, CSP
President
Lean Steps Consulting, Inc.
With upper body exoskeletons, as with any PPE, it is critical to understand the capabilities, the care, and the proper use to ensure adequate protection from the hazards for which the exoskeleton is being deployed. Below are some guidelines to achieve this. Read Paper
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Discussion Paper: Occupational Exoskeletons: Wearable Robotic Devices to Prevent Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace of the Future
This discussion paper was developed as part of the collaboration agreement signed by the Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL) with EU-OSHA related to the provision of research services in the area of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention, and presents results of a joint INAIL/Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) project on collaborative exoskeletons. Read Paper
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White Paper: Hip Exoskeleton Market – Review of Lift Assist Wearables
Published: March 2018
Wearable robotic systems will assist workers to lift heavy objects, palletize, and perform tasks with less fatigue. The growing field is expanding from military and rehabilitation systems to the industrial and manufacturing workspace. From industry, we are learning that there is a limited pool of younger workers combined with an older, aging workforce. Industry wants to improve the ergonomics and prevent injuries in the workforce reducing health-care costs. The goal is to “Improve the Quality of Work.” For example, work related postures may lead to musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain. This white paper will focus on hip exoskeletons that assist lifting/holding objects and moving them around. Click here to read the report.