In this conversation, Dr. Matthew Dickinson from the University of Central Lancashire discusses his work in the field of exoskeletons and wearable technology, focusing on the ASTM F48 standards committee, safety certification, and the importance of user-centric design. He shares insights from his journey in mechanical engineering, the Exo Games initiative, and the evolving landscape of funding and development in the UK. The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration, the challenges of integrating technology into real-world applications, and the significance of understanding user needs in the design process.

Music by Chase Davenport. Used with permission.

Takeaways

• Dr. Dickinson emphasizes the importance of safety certification for exoskeletons.

• The ASTM F48 standards committee is working on classification and certification procedures.

• User-centric design is crucial for the acceptance of exoskeletons in various fields.

• Collaboration between engineers, users, and manufacturers is essential for innovation.

• The UK is seeing a surge in interest and funding for exoskeleton technology.

• Viking Exos aims to educate young students about exoskeletons and wearable technology.

• Active and passive exoskeletons serve different purposes and applications.

• Understanding the complexities of human movement is vital in exoskeleton design.

• The Exo Games initiative fosters student engagement and practical experience.

• Funding bodies are increasingly focused on the practical outcomes of research.

Sound bites

"I believe the body is so sophisticated."

"Humans never do anything straight."

"It's a cheat sheet to excel your innovation."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Exoskeletons and Standards

02:49 Safety and Certification in Exoskeletons

06:02 Matt's Journey into Exoskeleton Research

09:09 The Role of Student Engagement in Exoskeleton Development

12:09 UK Perspective on Exoskeleton Development

15:09 Viking Exos: Innovations and Educational Initiatives

20:54 Active vs Passive Exoskeletons: A Philosophical Debate

23:53 The Future of Exoskeleton Design and Technology

32:47 Exploring Compliance in 3D Printing

34:23 The Importance of Focused Exoskeleton Design

36:59 The Role of Teamwork in Engineering

40:01 Prototyping vs. Evaluating Existing Exoskeletons

42:49 Understanding User Needs in Exoskeleton Development

46:26 Addressing the Needs of First Responders

49:14 Connecting Manufacturers with End Users

51:45 Evolving Funding Landscapes in Research

56:05 The Intersection of Academia and Industry

57:55 Parting Wisdom for the Next Generation