What is COST CA16116 about?
Wearable Robots (WRs) can be used to augment, train or supplement human motor functions or to replace them completely. WRs can operate alongside human limbs, as is the case in orthotic robots, exoskeletons or robotic suits, but also include robotic prosthetics. WRs are expected to find applications in Medical, Industrial and Consumer Domains, such as neuro-rehabilitation, worker support, or general augmentation. As WRs continuously interact with humans in multiple situations, not only Robot Engineering, but also Human Robot Interaction, Ergonomics, and Ethical, Legal and Societal (ELS) considerations, as well as early involvement of stakeholders are of essential interest. This Action focuses on the European integration of different underlying disciplines in science and engineering, as well as on engaging of stakeholders to improve WR technology and its societal impact.
What is the goal and activity of COST Action?
COST is the longest-running European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe. It is a unique means for them to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields in science and technology. It anticipates and complements the activities of the EU Framework Programmes, constituting a “bridge” towards the scientific communities of COST Inclusiveness Target Countries. It also increases the mobility of researchers across Europe and fosters the establishment of scientific excellence. COST funds different types of Networking activities, but does not directly fund research.
Why can COST CA16116 and INBOTS mutually benefit from collaboration?
COST Actions and H2020 CS-Actions can have a similar scope, but are at the same time different and complementary funding schemes. The scope of INBOTS includes different types of interactive robots, but is limited to non-technical aspects around these robots, while the COST CA16116 includes both scientific, technical and non-technical aspects, but is limited to wearable robots. This means there is a substantial overlap in scope, which allows the actions to collaborate and complement each other, for example in the organization of workshops and other events, reaching out to the diverse expert communities or to the wider public.