An increasing number of EU citizens are experiencing some type of mobility challenge, leading to deterioration of their life quality. Causes include an aging population, as well as mobility restrictions due to physical injuries and other health-related issues. State-of-the-art wearable robots offer significant enhancement of human capabilities, leading to their rapidly growing adoption in combating these challenges. For those facing mobility difficulties, wearable robots can restore independence, enabling movement and improving quality of life. In high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing, wearable robots provide essential support, reducing strain and preventing injuries caused by repetitive tasks or heavy lifting. These devices not only improve worker safety but also boost productivity by mitigating fatigue and extending physical endurance. Wearable robots could become indispensable tools for fostering societal inclusivity and workplace efficiency, once current obstacles such as their increased weight, limited applications, and high purchase cost are eliminated.
SWAG, standing for Soft Wearable Assistive Garments, is a project set to revolutionize wearable robotics by addressing their key challenges. SWAG encompasses innovations in fabric-based soft robotics, integrated soft sensing, user intent tracking, biomechanically-optimized control and distributed pneumatic actuation. The SWAG functional garment will provide support to entire body regions rather than single joints. By incorporating multi-level sensing and control, coupled with advanced data-driven, model-based algorithms for user intent tracking, SWAG aims to deliver high-fidelity, real-time motion assistance. Furthermore, SWAG aims to eliminate the constraints of tethered operation, offering simultaneous support of the entire lower limb system via a portable pneumatic system that efficiently recycles air. Most importantly, SWAG introduces a user-centric, adaptive design paradigm, generalizable for all robots that interact with humans, with technical development guided by end-user input throughout the design process.
The SWAG project is set to make an impact across multiple domains by introducing the first multi-purpose soft exosuit, capable of simultaneously actuating multiple joints of the lower limbs with real-time motion control. Its broad application scope encompasses multiple potential applications, four of which are represented as project use cases. First is motion assistance for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals, with SWAG aiming to significantly improve quality of life for those affected. In the occupational enhancement use case, the use of the SWAG exosuit will reduce work-related musculoskeletal strain and improve industrial safety. From a wellness point of view, SWAG offers diverse applications in training and rehabilitation therapy. Finally, SWAG will also be used in immersive haptics, redefining the virtual reality experience with haptic feedback across the body. Designed with inherent safety features, using soft, compliant materials and a safe-by-design approach, SWAG ensures user safety while achieving high performance and energy efficiency. Furthermore, its durability, applications across diverse scenarios, and cost-effective production are set to make it a commercially viable solution poised for widespread adoption. Economically, SWAG targets rapidly expanding markets such as medical robotics, sporting goods, and VR haptics.
