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

Designing Exoskeletons and Prosthetic Limbs
that Enhance Human Performance

This issue invites you to attend the next class session.

Next class session - Tuesday, February 26th 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 Stanford lecture, Designing robotic prostheses and exoskeletons that improve human mobility

Biosketch: Steven H. Collins is an 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 voted CMU Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor of the Year.

You are invited to attend this and the remaining class sessions - Class sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm until Thursday, March 14th and are open to the greater Stanford community. You need not be a Stanford student to attend, no signup is required, and there is no charge.

New classroom! - The course will be held in classroom 282 in the Lathrop Library located at the corner of Lasuen Mall and Serra Mall, adjacent to Memorial Auditorium and the Oval. It seats as many as 150 people in a flexible and accessible space. Here is a webpage with maps, directions, and photos.

Attend the Assistive Technology Faire - This seventh 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 have been encouraged to bring assistive technology devices and information to display, demonstrate, and discuss. Everyone is welcome to attend the Faire - rain or shine. When: Thursday, February 28th starting at 4:30pm Where: Lathrop Library, Classroom 282 Information: Photos from last year's event

"Save the Date" for Stanford's Inaugural Disability Studies Conference - Mediations: Disability, Technology, and the Arts - This day-long conference will host research presentations alongside workshops. In addition to academic panels and discussions, the venue will be filled with artwork and exhibitions by the local Stanford disability community. In the spirit of infrastructural and cultural accessibility, Mediations: Disability, Technology, and the Arts is open to public participation, and presenters are encouraged to prepare to speak to both colleagues and non-specialists. Conference participants should look forward to a unique experience that brings together critical discussion and public engagement. When: Saturday, May 18th - all day Where: Campus location to be announced Information: Registration fee to be announced

Other

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 Course and 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