EXOSKELTON STANDARDS TECHNICAL INTERCHANGE MEETING (TIM)
The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC; Natick, MA) seeks to enhance the performance, safety, and capabilities of users, to include through wearable physical augmentation (e.g. exoskeleton) technologies. It is envisioned that these systems would provide mechanical assistance to improve strength, endurance, and/or ergonomics while maintaining user safety during various activities. There are numerous systems available domestically and internationally, to include powered, unpowered / passive, lower body, upper body, and full body systems.
NSRDEC is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for personnel interested in participating in an "Exoskeleton Standards Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM)" co-sponsored by NSRDEC and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
This meeting will bring together experts from the industrial, military, and medical communities to discuss the latest developments in exoskeleton standards, with the goal of advancing this critical technology.
The goals of this meeting are to:
Identify gaps in current exoskeleton standards-including terminology, test methods, and performance metrics-in the industrial, military, and medical sectors
Facilitate the involvement of all interested parties in these developments as they progress
Promote technological advances by building relationships among key stakeholders
This meeting will be held January 26-27, 2017 at the NIST (Gaithersburg, MD) and representatives of industry, federal agencies, the military, academia, medical providers, insurance providers, standards development organizations, and international organizations are all invited to attend. Interested organizations, regardless of size, are encouraged to participate and register:
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2017/01/exoskeleton-technical-interchange-meeting
Nothing shall be construed herein or through the RFI process to commit or obligate the Government to further action as a result of this RFI. Firms responding to this RFI shall bear all risk and expense of any resources used to provide the requested information and participate in the meeting. Registration closes on January 19, 2017, but we encourage registration as soon as possible due to limited meeting room capacity.
Point of Contact:
Greg Kanagaki
(508) 233-6060
Gregory.b.kanagaki.civ@mail.mil
Darlene L. Rideout, Phone 5082334112, Email darlene.l.rideout.civ@mail.mil
