Research summary
Billions of people around the world suffer from diseases that make it difficult to move. Advanced wearable technologies could provide a solution to many mobility problems. But to be effective, these technologies need to be lighter and smaller. They also need to respond automatically to the wearer’s needs.
Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos, Canada Research Chair in Wearable Mechatronics, is developing smart wearable garments to support upper-body mobility. She and her research team are coming up with unique designs that integrate hardware within clothing and software that can intelligently respond to users. Ultimately, their work has the potential to restore mobility and increase quality of life for those who suffer from upper body disabilities.