University of Limerick researchers in the Design Factors Research Group based in Limerick, Ireland have been awarded $37,000 in funding for the development of an assistive exoskeleton for older adults.
This research is part of the 3-year AXO-SUIT project with a total budget of approximately $4.4 million. For all design and manufacturing purposes, the university is partnering with MTD Precision Ltd., with a total project value of approximately $952,000.
The AXO-SUIT project includes three Irish universities and five companies that are actively researching and developing assistive devices. This project aims to provide support to older adults, allowing them to participate in occupational and social activities, and daily tasks by offering lower body, upper body and full body assistive exoskeletons.
“This is an exciting project for our group, which will see our expertise in user centered design in health innovation make a significant impact to the quality of life for older age,” Leonard O’Sullivan, MD, senior lecturer of Ergonomics and Human Factors in the Department of Design and Manufacturing Technology at the University of Limerick, stated in a press release. “The AXO-SUIT project further builds on the Design Factors Group’s continued success in national and internationally funded medical device design research.”
Reference:
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