Urs Schneider, PhD
Scientific Director of Health, Fraunhofer IPA
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Urs Schneider, Scientific Director of Health at Fraunhofer IPA, discusses his extensive experience in mechatronics engineering, particularly in the fields of exoskeletons, prosthetics, and orthotics. He emphasizes the importance of integrating medical rehabilitation devices with workplace applications, the innovative Exo Workathlon testing methodology, and the need for user-centric design in assistive devices. Dr. Schneider also highlights the challenges of non-compliance with medical devices and the necessity for industry collaboration to improve testing standards and methodologies.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Dr. Schneider has over 20 years of experience in mechatronics engineering.
Fraunhofer IPA plays a crucial role in the development and testing of wearable robotics.
The Exo Workathlon is designed to test occupational exoskeletons effectively.
User feedback is essential for the development of assistive devices.
There is a significant need for user-centric design in medical devices.
Non-compliance with medical devices leads to increased healthcare costs.
Testing as a service can bridge the gap for startups in the industry.
Collaboration between academia and industry is vital for innovation.
The production costs of assistive devices must be addressed for global access.
Aesthetic considerations can enhance user compliance with medical devices.
Sound Bites
"We are a service-oriented research organization."
"We need to listen to what they say they need."
"User-centric aesthetics can improve compliance."
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Dr. Urs Schneider
03:02
Overview of Fraunhofer and the Role of Wearable Robotics
10:25
ExoWork Athlon: Realistic Test Method for Occupational Exoskeletons
16:32
Key Criteria for Evaluating Exoskeleton Devices
23:35
Interfacing with Product Developers and Design Improvements
28:42
Teaching and Research at Fraunhofer and University of Stuttgart
35:12
Testing as a Service and the Need for Service Providers
42:08
The Mission of Fraunhofer and the Importance of Collaboration
50:17
Online Resources to Learn More about Dr. Urs Schneider
52:07
Areas of Tech Development that Require More Attention
Matthew Marino
Owner, Evolving Innovation
Owner, Prime Performance
Summary
In this conversation, Josh Caputo and Matt Marino discuss the evolving field of exoskeletons, focusing on their applications in both medical and occupational settings. They explore the challenges of adoption, the importance of user education, and the economic benefits of implementing exoskeletons in the workplace. Matt shares insights from his experience as a physical therapist and developer, emphasizing the need for better communication and understanding among workers and employers regarding the use of exoskeletons. The discussion also touches on the future of exoskeletons in rehabilitation and the potential for physical therapists to play a crucial role in this industry.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Adoption of exoskeletons is challenging due to lack of awareness.
Injuries are a primary driver for the use of exoskeletons.
Education and training are crucial for successful implementation.
Return on investment can be measured through a combination of factors including injury prevention, quality and productivity improvements.
Medical and occupational exoskeletons serve different but overlapping purposes.
Sizing and customization are significant challenges in exoskeleton design.
Physical therapists can greatly contribute to the development of exoskeletons.
User acceptance is influenced by the perceived benefits and comfort of exoskeletons.
Consulting experts can help organizations avoid common pitfalls in implementation.
The future of exoskeletons may see more crossover between medical and occupational uses.
Titles
Exploring the Future of Exoskeletons
Injury Prevention Through Wearable Technology
Sound Bites
"Adoption is a strong word."
"Workers don't even know that exoskeletons exist."
"PTs are people people, right?"
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Matt Marino
01:32
Personal Journey: From Father to Exoskeleton Expert
02:30
The Challenge of Finding Pediatric Exoskeletons
03:56
Exploring Occupational Exoskeletons in the Workplace
05:01
Introduction and Background
07:04
Driving Factors for Exoskeleton Adoption
13:07
Challenges of Marketing Exoskeletons to Consumers
15:48
The Role of Physical Therapists in Exoskeleton Development
22:03
Sizing and Customization of Exoskeletons
34:28
Crossover Between Medical and Occupational Exoskeletons
41:32
Return-to-Work Exoskeletons
49:47
Conclusion and Call to Action
Summary
In this episode of the Human Part of Humotech podcast, host Candice Caputo interviews Elaine Kachala, an award-winning children's nonfiction author known for her book 'Superpower: The Wearable-Tech Revolution.' Elaine discusses the importance of wearable technology, the ethical implications of innovation, and the role of STEM education in inspiring young readers. She emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in technology design and shares insights on engaging kids in STEM through hands-on projects and nonfiction literature. The conversation also touches on Elaine's writing journey and her upcoming book, Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet, on affordable housing and technology.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Elaine Kachala is an award-winning children's nonfiction author.
Her book 'Superpower' focuses on wearable technology for ages 9-12.
The book discusses both the benefits and ethical issues of technology.
STEM education is crucial for inspiring young readers.
Diverse representation in STEM literature is important for engagement.
Hands-on STEM projects enhance learning and creativity.
Nonfiction books are underutilized in schools despite their popularity with kids.
Project-based learning connects multiple subjects and real-world issues.
Kids can develop critical thinking skills through discussions about technology.
Elaine's upcoming book addresses housing and climate crises through technology.
Titles
Unpacking 'Superpower': A Journey into Wearable-Tech
Inspiring Young Minds: The Role of STEM Education
Sound Bites
"It's about the exciting ways that wearables are improving lives."
"Kids live in a pretty challenging world."
"The same technologies that can help us also come with ethical issues."
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Elaine Kachala and Her Work
04:28
Exploring 'Superpower: The Wearable-Tech Revolution'
16:42
The Impact of Wearable Technology on Lives
23:00
The Role of STEM Books in Education
31:48
Engaging Kids in STEM: Strategies and Insights
39:07
The Writing Journey of 'Superpower' and Future Projects
Thomas Sugar, PhD
Associate Dean, Polytechnic School, Barrett, The Honors College, Arizona State University
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Thomas Sugar discusses his extensive work in the field of wearable robotics, particularly focusing on exoskeletons and their applications in both medical and industrial settings. He shares insights from his journey developing the SPARKy ankle, his transition to industrial exoskeletons, and the importance of building a community around wearable robotics. Dr. Sugar emphasizes the challenges of bringing medical devices to market, the trends in robotics research, and the need for innovation in mobility solutions for an aging population. He also highlights the cultural differences in attitudes towards mobility devices and the potential for exoskeletons in logistics and other industries. The conversation concludes with advice for innovators and a call to action for the community to focus on mobility solutions.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Dr. Sugar's journey in wearable robotics began with the Sparky ankle.
The importance of community in advancing wearable robotics technology.
Transitioning from medical to industrial applications can accelerate growth.
Young researchers are driving innovation in the field of robotics.
The aging population presents significant opportunities for mobility solutions.
Cultural attitudes towards mobility devices vary across regions.
Passive systems are gaining traction due to their cost-effectiveness.
Active systems provide necessary power for demanding tasks.
The jet pack project showcased innovative approaches to enhancing human performance.
Collaboration and community engagement are crucial for success in robotics.
Sound Bites
"Getting old is not a medical condition."
"We need to get a critical mass together."
"Medical devices are quite hard to get to market."
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Dr. Thomas Sugar
04:36
Building the Exoskeleton Community
08:07
Transitioning to Industrial Exoskeletons
12:51
Challenges in Robotics Development
19:45
Focus on Mobility and Aging
24:09
Healthy Aging and Device Design
30:25
Commercialization of Exoskeletons
33:25
Passive vs Active Systems
39:09
The Jet Pack Project
53:08
Advice for Innovators
Rita Vazquez-Torres
CEO/Senior Technology Strategist, New Stone Soup VT LLCFounding Partner, ASTM Exo Technology Center of ExcellenceSummary
In this conversation, Rita Vazquez-Torres shares her extensive experience in exoskeleton technology, discussing its evolution, the interplay of politics and policy in technology development, and the personal stories that drive her passion for this field. She emphasizes the importance of education and public-private partnerships in advancing exoskeleton technology, particularly for healthy aging and everyday consumers. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in the market and the need for innovative approaches to make exoskeletons accessible to a broader audience.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Rita Vazquez-Torres has a rich background in exoskeleton technology and public policy.
The evolution of exoskeletons has been influenced by various projects and collaborations.
Politics, policy, and science are crucial for the success of new technologies.
Personal stories can drive innovation and motivate professionals in the field.
Education is a significant barrier to the adoption of exoskeletons.
Public-private partnerships can facilitate advancements in technology.
The DoD landscape presents unique challenges for exoskeleton development.
Healthy aging is a promising application area for exoskeletons.
There is a need for consumer education about exoskeletons.
The future of exoskeletons lies in addressing the needs of everyday users.
Sound Bites
"I promised that I would not give up."
"Education is the biggest problem right now."
"It's not what you know, it's who you know."
Chapters
00:16
Introduction to Rita Vazquez-Torres and Her Journey
01:35
The Evolution of Exoskeleton Technology
06:43
Politics, Policy, and Science in Technology Development
10:16
The Impact of 9/11 on Technology and Partnerships
13:10
The Dilemma of Passive vs. Active Exoskeletons
16:57
Transitioning from Government to Consulting
19:16
Personal Stories and the Human Element in Technology
23:47
The Role of Community and Mentorship in Exoskeleton Development
26:57
The Potential of Exoskeletons for Healthy Aging
30:27
Challenges in Commercializing Exoskeletons
34:18
Education and Awareness in Aging Mobility
36:12
Public-Private Partnerships in Technology Development
40:43
Navigating DoD Priorities for Exoskeletons
48:27
The Future of Exoskeletons in Healthcare
55:35
Emerging Areas in Exoskeleton Technology
Summary
In this conversation, Jeremy Lewis shares insights from his extensive leadership experience in the U.S. Army and at Tesla, focusing on transformational leadership, the impact of exoskeleton technology, and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the future of wearable technology for veterans, the challenges of scaling operations in tech companies, and the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and trust within teams. Jeremy emphasizes the need for a clear vision, the right mindset, and the importance of investing in people to achieve success.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Leadership style can evolve over time.
Transformational leadership focuses on helping others succeed.
Exoskeleton technology has the potential to change lives.
Creating a vision is essential for effective leadership.
Trusting your team fosters innovation and growth.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal development.
The future of technology can greatly benefit veterans.
Scaling operations requires strategic planning and alignment.
Money should be a means to an end, not the goal.
A culture of openness and trust leads to better outcomes.
Sound Bites
"You have to have a vision as a leader."
"Money is a means, not an end."
"Trust them to allow them to go out and do it."
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Jeremy Lewis
01:43
Transformational Leadership: A Personal Journey
45:16
Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance
46:58
The Role of Mentorship in Leadership
54:21
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
In this conversation, Josh Caputo speaks with Borislav (Bobby) Marinov, the preeminent voice of the press in the exoskeleton and wearable robotics field. Bobby shares his journey from a background in robotics to his current role in popularizing exoskeleton technology. They discuss the importance of user experience, the need for broader accessibility, and the potential of exoskeletons to enhance mobility for various demographics. The conversation also touches on the global dynamics of the exoskeleton market, the role of distributors, and the significance of community engagement in advancing technology.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Bobby's background in robotics influenced his passion for exoskeletons.
The exoskeleton industry is on the brink of a physical revolution.
User experience is crucial for the adoption of wearable technology.
There is a need for more excitement and investment in exoskeletons.
Bobby's personal experiences with aging relatives drive his passion for mobility solutions.
The importance of holistic perspectives in technology development.
The evolution of exoskeleton technology parallels advancements in automotive engineering.
Experiencing technology firsthand is essential for understanding its value.
Global collaboration is key to advancing exoskeleton technology.
Financial barriers limit access to wearable technology in many regions.
Sound Bites
"Exoskeletons can change lives."
"I enjoy everything in this field."
"We need to hear user stories."
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Exoskeleton Technology and Bobby's Journey
05:46
The Mission to Popularize Exoskeletons
11:21
Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
17:23
Exploring Applications of Exoskeletons
22:55
The Importance of User Experience
30:02
Market Maturation and Global Perspectives
38:44
Challenges in Accessibility and Adoption
44:56
The Role of Government and Industry Collaboration
51:55
Future Directions and Community Engagement
In this conversation, Josh Caputo speaks with Sarah Ballini-Ross, an expert in safety and public health, about her journey from working in a warehouse and her own farms, to becoming a co-founder of Evolving Innovation and Prime Performance. They discuss the role of exoskeletons in workplace safety, the challenges of implementing them, and the cultural barriers that exist. Sarah shares insights on the importance of human-centered design, the need for collaboration between developers and end-users, and the future of exoskeletons in various industries. The conversation emphasizes the significance of investing in prevention and creating accessible solutions for workers.
In this conversation, Dr. David Morgenroth discusses his career at the VA, emphasizing the importance of giving back to veterans and the unique opportunities for thorough clinical practice and research within the VA system. He highlights the significance of collaboration between government and industry in advancing prosthetic technologies and the challenges of translating innovations from the VA to the civilian sector. The discussion also covers the role of implementation science in ensuring that innovations are effectively integrated into clinical practice. Dr. Morgenroth shares insights on the AMPREDICT Decision Support Tool, designed to aid decision-making in amputation levels, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in fostering career development. He concludes with a call to action for innovators to focus on team science and relationship building to enhance their impact on clinical care.
Intro and outro music by the Flatbush Cowboys (a band that David Morgenroth played in from Brooklyn, NY).
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:15
Introduction to Dr. David Morgenroth
01:46
The Value of Working at the VA
07:13
Collaboration Between VA and Private Sector
11:26
Challenges in Translating Innovations
17:34
The Importance of Implementation Science
22:54
Shared Decision-Making in Amputation
28:50
Future of Prosthetics and Data Utilization
35:36
Shared Decision Making in Prosthetic Selection
40:24
The Role of Data in Clinical Decision Making
46:08
Collaboration and Innovation in Prosthetic Research
50:46
The Importance of Team Science
58:48
The Power of Mentorship
01:07:05
Call to Action for Innovators
In today's episode, we sit down with Tim Reissman, Associate Professor from the University of Dayton in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department.
Join us to learn more about his unique journey in rehabilitation engineering, spanning a wide range of technology areas, all focused on realizing the freedom of movement through human-centered design and collaborative research/education.
Learn more about Tim, who encourages you to reach out to him at treissman1@udayton.edu.
In today's episode, we sit down with Peter Adamczyk, Associate Professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Mechanical Engineering department.
Join us to learn more about his journey through the research, development, and clinical translation of advanced prosthetic design as well as explorations into how wearable sensors could transform this industry and many others.
Learn more about Peter, who encourages you to reach out to him at peter.adamczyk@wisc.edu.
In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Turner, an independent consultant to prosthetics manufacturers (including Humotech) based out of New York City.
Join us as we learn how he leverages his own daily experience using prosthetic technology, diverse business background, and passion for mobility and athletics to deliver no-nonsense perspective that is helping multiple exciting companies realize more useful products.
Learn more about Geoff and Humotech's products. Geoff encourages you to reach out to him via email at geoff@humotech.com.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Steve Collins, Associate Professor from Stanford University in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Join us to learn more about his quest to improve mobility with robotic prosthetics and exoskeletons that optimize metabolic energy efficiency by leveraging advanced learning algorithms.
Learn more about Steve, who encourages you to reach out to him at stevecollins@stanford.edu.
In today's episode, we sit down with Joyce Perrone, an independent consultant to Orthotics & Prosthetics businesses (including Humotech) based out of Pittsburgh, PA.
Join us as we learn how she navigates the complex healthcare landscape with empathy, optimism, and a keen eye for data insights.
Learn more about Joyce, who encourages you to reach out to her via email at jperrone.jp@gmail.com.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Philippe Malcolm, Associate Professor from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Join us as we learn more about what makes Philippe tick and how his unique approach is leading us towards a more nuanced understanding of the nature of human energy consumption during locomotion and where wearable robotics could have the greatest impact.
Learn more about Philippe and the Department of Biomechanics at UNO. Philippe encourages you to reach out to him via email at pmalcolm@unomaha.edu.
In today's episode, we sit down with Matt Yandell, Chief Innovation Officer at HeroWear, an exciting spin-off company from Vanderbilt University.
Join us to learn more about how to build an exoskeleton product that delights users: from optimizing the design, to fostering a healthy company culture, to honing your unique value proposition within this burgeoning industry.
Learn more about Matt, who encourages you to reach out to him via email at myandell@herowearexo.com.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Sawicki, an Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the School of Mechanical Engineering.
Join us to learn more about his fascinating journey from studying biology to building robots, and how he connects two to unlock insights that are advancing the science of wearable robotics.
Learn more about Greg, who encourages you to reach out to him via email at gregory.sawicki@me.gatech.edu.
In today’s episode, we sat down with Jeff Brandt, a former prosthetics and orthotics practice owner, Vice President of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, and member of the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry’s External Collaborative Panel.
Join us to learn more about the rapidly changing world of O&P patient care, how data is revolutionizing daily practice, and why the field needs technology now more than ever..
Connect with Jeff Brandt, who encourages you to reach out to him via email at
jmichbrandt@gmail.com.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Humotech’s Director of Engineering, the technical expert behind all of the hardware and software tools offered by the company.
Join us, as we learn more about what makes Carl tick and how his experiences as an engineering student has fueled his passion for building both the highest-performing as well as most usable exoskeleton and prosthetic systems the world has ever seen.
Learn more about Carl and Humotech’s products. Carl encourages you to reach out to him via email at carl@humotech.com.
