On the 21st of November we had the honour to welcome Prof. De Pauw from the Vrije University. He gave a presentation on improving quality of life through wearable robotics and prosthetics.

The Brussels Human Robotics Research Centre (BruBotics) develops robotic applications to improve the well-being of both healthy individuals and patients. A key area of research is the development of occupational exoskeletons to assist workers on the shop floor. This research addresses the persistently high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the back (prevalence of 60%) and shoulder/neck (prevalence of 54%).

Numerous studies have demonstrated the tangible benefits of exoskeletons in improving physical performance. However, there is a notable lack of data on the cognitive load associated with wearing exoskeletons. The use of a shoulder exoskeleton has been shown to disrupt balance during certain tasks, such as drilling. These findings highlight the need for further comprehensive research before the widespread implementation of occupational exoskeletons in the workplace. This research should include studies of long-term effects and larger trials, as well as the acquisition of application-specific knowledge.

Future research should include unimpaired locomotion to facilitate the application of research findings to daily activities. Evaluation of long-term effects is essential to assess the therapeutic benefits of advanced prosthetic technologies in improving overall quality of life.

Kevin De Pauw obtained his Ph.D. in 2014 and is currently a professor at the Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He coordinates projects within the Strategic Research Programme (SRP) Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: The added value of human-centred robotics.