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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently convened the first international workshop on 'Emerging Technologies and Challenges for Exoskeleton' in Bengaluru. The workshop, inaugurated by the Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO chairman, aimed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders including the research and development community, armed forces, industry, and academia to address the challenges associated with developing exoskeleton technology.

Exoskeleton technology, characterized by wearable structures designed to enhance human body capabilities, holds promise for both military and civilian applications. In his keynote address, the DRDO chairman underscored the transformative potential of exoskeleton technology and emphasized the need for collective efforts to chart a roadmap for its future development.

Highlighting the historical evolution of exoskeleton research and the current challenges faced by the R&D community, Lt Gen JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), emphasized the significance of exoskeleton technologies in rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and augmentation. He also pointed out the substantial commercial opportunities associated with this technology.

The workshop featured informative technical lectures by renowned experts, including Prof Robert Reiner of ETH Zurich and Prof Arun Jayaraman of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. These sessions provided insights into the current state of exoskeleton research and the challenges ahead.

Director General (Life Sciences) U K Singh, DRDO, highlighted the imminent challenges and requirements from the armed forces, urging researchers to collectively address these challenges to develop exoskeleton technologies that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

With over 300 participants from DRDO, services, industry, academia, and research institutions, the two-day workshop served as a platform for fruitful discussions and exchange of ideas. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing exoskeleton technology to unlock its full potential in both military and civilian domains.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored the critical role of collaboration among diverse stakeholders in addressing the challenges and charting a course for the future development of exoskeleton technology. By harnessing collective expertise and resources, the community aims to realize the transformative potential of exoskeletons in enhancing human capabilities and improving quality of life.