Perspectives is the newsletter of the Stanford course,
Perspectives in Assistive Technology.

Exoskeleton Research

This issue invites you to attend the next class session,
encourages your participation in the course's Assistive Technology Faire,
invites your attendance at a Tech Talk, and solicts early testers.

Next class session - Tuesday, January 30th at 4:30pm:

Abstract: "My central research goal is to develop wearable robotic devices that improve mobility and quality of life, especially for people with disabilities. My laboratory uses three complementary approaches. First, we develop tools to speed and systematize the design of prostheses and exoskeletons. Humans are complex, limiting the effectiveness of typical robotics design methods, so we have developed a new approach that utilizes versatile, laboratory-based emulator systems. Second, we leverage our emulators in basic scientific experiments aimed at discovering and characterizing new methods of assistance. Our versatile hardware allows rapid implementation of new ideas, controlled characterization of human response to device functionality, and new approaches to design and prescription involving online adaptation and patient-specific device optimization. Finally, we translate successful approaches into energy-efficient mobile devices. For example, we recently demonstrated an ankle exoskeleton that uses no energy itself yet reduces the metabolic energy cost of human walking. We are currently developing actuators based on electrostatic adhesion that are both energy efficient and controllable, which will enable new types of high-performance wearable robots."
[From his February 18, 2016 lecture at Stanford: Designing robotic prostheses and exoskeletons that improve human mobility]

Biosketch: Steven H. Collins is a new Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering here at Stanford. Before he arrived on campus he was at Carnegie Mellon University, where he directed the Experimental Biomechatronics Laboratory and taught courses on Robotics and Design. He received his BS from Cornell University in 2002 and his PhD from the University of Michigan in 2008, and performed postdoctoral research at T.U. Delft. He has published in Science and Nature. He was a member of the scientific board of the Dynamic Walking 2013 Conference, the recipient of the American Society of Biomechanics Post-Doctoral Young Investigator Award in 2013, an ICRA Best Medical Robotics Paper winner in 2015, and was recently voted CMU Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor of the Year.

Attend a lecture - The schedule of guest lectures has been finalized. Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm and are open to the greater Stanford community. You are most welcome to sit in on any class sessions that interest you. You need not be a Stanford student and there is no required signup, enrollment, or charge. The class will meet in a large, tiered, accessible classroom on campus in the Thornton Center, adjacent to the Terman Fountain and near the Roble Gym, the same venue as last year. Here are the parking options, maps, and directions to the classroom.

You are invited to participate in the Assistive Technology Faire - This sixth annual course event will provide an opportunity for students and community members to get an up-close look at a variety of assistive technology devices and learn about available services. Users of assistive technology products as well as small companies and agencies serving individuals with disabilities and older adults are encouraged to bring assistive technology devices and information to display, demonstrate, and discuss. Please browse to the Call for Assistive Technology Faire Participants webpage and contact me if you would like to be a part of this event as a user or vendor of assistive technology products or services. Everyone is welcome to attend the faire. The Faire will start at 4:30pm on Thursday, March 1st just outside the classroom, Thornton 110. Here are Dave's and Arne's photos from last year's Faire.

Upcoming class sessions:

Thursday, February 1st The Design and Control of Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation Tuesday, February 6th From Idea to Market: Eatwell, Assistive Tableware for Persons with Cognitive Impairments Thursday, February 8th Designing Beyond the Norm to Meet the Needs of All People

Upcoming Local Events

Building Products with Purpose "Join us for an evening focused on what it's like working at a company that's taking an altruistic approach to solving the country's most complex and expensive problem. Many companies face perverse incentives and are forced to choose between financial gain and the well-being of their consumer. The conversations will focus on what it's like working for a company with mission + business model alignment, and what success means for our members and the healthcare industry as a whole." Organized by Women in Product. When: Tuesday, January 30th from 6:00 to 8:30pm Where: Clover Health, 22 4th St., 6th Floor, San Francisco Admission: More information and tickets - $10

Avenidas Generations Lab Tech Talk The Avenidas Generations Lab invites you to attend a fireside chat with Dr. Manjula Waldron and Richard Adler as they examine "The Impact of Technology on Intergenerational Values and Morals". When: Friday, February 9th from 11am to noon Where: Cubberley Community Center, Building "I", Second floor, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Suite #I-2, Palo Alto Admission: Ages 15 and above - Free

Solicitation for Early Testers

C@irn c@irn is looking for early testers of a platform for those with an avid love for the outdoors who have recently endured an injury or illness that affects their ability to move through the world. The platform is envisioned to support a community of athletes and adventurers built on experience-sharing and mentoring where people can explore possibilities, get inspired by others, and share what they've learned. If you are active or interesed in adaptive sports, please contact Graeme Rosenberg and check out their website.

Support the course - Funding in any amount for the course and student projects is always welcomed. Monetary gifts support approved project expenses, administrative costs, honoraria for guest lecturers, and the end-of-term celebration. Refer to the Team Project Support webpage for more information.

Email questions, comments, or suggestions - Please email me if you have general questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the course. Thank you again for your interest.

Dave