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

The Design and Control of Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation

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 - Thursday, February 1st at 4:30pm:

Abstract: "Robots once were a dream of the future, but they now creep into all aspects of our lives, whether it be vacuuming our house or exploring distant planets. Rehabilitation and mobility are no different. Exoskeletons can provide the motion and support that a user cannot, supplementing or replacing their muscles to enable natural motion. These devices can be used for mobility or for rehabilitation, but both uses come with challenges. I will discuss the design and control of robotic exoskeletons and the challenges faced when designing these devices."

Biosketch: Katherine Strausser holds a Bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master's and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. She was one of three primary inventors of Ekso 1, an electro-mechanical lower extremity exoskeleton and is currently a senior controls engineer at Ekso Bionics working on control algorithms and software for various research efforts focusing on the Human Machine Interface.

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:

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 Tuesday, February 13th Field Trip to the Magical Bridge Playground

Upcoming Local Event

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.

Available Positions

The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) is a technical assistance and dissemination center funded by the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). They have two positions available: Community Engagement Specialist (Part time - Austin, TX) Technical Assistance Specialist (Full time - Remote)

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