ErgoExpo returns in 2024 to the colorful city of Las Vegas. Like the 2023 edition, the conference will feature several talks on occupational and industrial exoskeletons. One of those will be a Masterclass titled “Are You Really Ready for Exoskeletons?” This workshop will be equally divided between a four-member expert panel and a Q&A session.
- Marisol Barrero will present on workplace readiness to successfully implement an exoskeleton at a company site. This will include but not be limited to leadership readiness and how a company will decide why or why not to use exoskeletons. Emphasis will be placed on what type of decisions you need to make about exos.
- Sarah Ballini-Ross will discuss how to plan and prepare a pilot study at your company, including plans, worker education, and getting teams to use the device.
- Matthew “Matt” Marino will talk about how ASTM F48 standards can be used at your company.
- Thomas “Tom” Sugar will present on ExoWorkAthlon. What data can we share about how exoskeletons have helped in the workplace and improved the quality of work?
- There will be 50 minutes of presentations and 50 minutes of discussions with the audience.
“Industrial exoskeletons are a relatively recent innovation that may offer benefits to your workplace. However, how do you truly know if you are ready to even trial them, let alone implement them? Exoskeleton pilots/trials and full implementation are dramatically different stages of a program, and understanding the planning and preparation required for each of these stages is critical to success. This session, presented by the Automotive Exoskeleton Group (AExG) and some of the earliest adopters of exoskeletons, will provide valuable education and insights from real world experience to help you succeed.”
Link to the Masterclass Agenda: LINK
About the Masters of the Masterclass (as noted on the ErgoExpo website):
Marisol Barrero has recently started a new position as Global Ergonomics Manager with Vibrantz Technologies, a global manufacturer of chemicals and advanced materials. Prior to Vibrantz, Marisol worked as Technical Director of Ergonomics at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Most of her career has been spent developing and improving ergonomics programs within industry, with 15 years at Toyota Motor North America as Ergonomics Technical Lead and, later, North American Ergonomics Program Manager, and 2 years at Amazon Web Services, as Global Ergonomics Manager.
Marisol has been involved with safety-related wearables and technology since 2016 and is involved in several external organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Wearable Robotics Association (WearRA) and the Automotive Exoskeleton Group (AExG), which she co-founded in 2018. She is a member of ASTM F48, a standard on exoskeletons and exosuits. She is a regular speaker at various safety and technology conferences, including the Applied Ergonomics Conference, WearRAcon, and the Augmented Enterprise Summit.
She received her B.A. and M.S. from Cornell University. She has been a Certified Professional Ergonomist since 2006.
Matthew Marino is the owner of Prime Performance in Portland, Oregon. He is a Physical Therapist, Certified Professional Ergonomist, sports scientist, and performance coach. Matt is an internationally recognized expert in wearable technology and exoskeletons with 15 years of experience providing comprehensive workplace health, safety, and ergonomics services to hundreds of companies in several industries. Matt is a respected practitioner, researcher, educator, and advocate on a mission to help people and companies convert potential into world-class safety, health, and performance.
Sarah Ballini-Ross is a dynamic and seasoned professional in the realm of safety, public health, and innovation. Holding a degree in Public Health from Oregon State University, Sarah has honed her problem-solving prowess, innovation skillset, and interpersonal abilities, making her a trusted strategic consultant and subject matter expert in safety technology, health prevention, and health policy issues. As a first-generation farmer, she also operates a small farm near Salem, Oregon, where she raises grass-fed meats.
Thomas Sugar is the Associate Dean for Barrett, The Honors College at the ASU Polytechnic campus. He is also a professor and the graduate program chair for systems engineering and manufacturing engineering in the school of Manufacturing Systems and Networks. He works in wearable robotics to improve worker wellness and quality of life. His research focuses on compliant wearable robots using tunable springs.
He majored in business and mechanical engineering for his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, all from the University of Pennsylvania. In industry, he worked as a project engineer for W. L. Gore and Associates. He has been a faculty member in the departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Engineering, and Manufacturing Systems and Networks at Arizona State University. He is an ASME Fellow and IEEE Senior Member.
About ErgoExpo:
National Ergo Conference, October 15-17, 2024, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
National Ergo is billed as the US’ longest-running ergonomics event and trade show. It offers the Ergonomics community a platform to learn from industry leaders through over 40 educational sessions, keynotes, and workshops. The event encompasses a range of topics, from office seating to exosuits and work automation. Attendees can anticipate educational content, professional networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall showcasing various ergonomic products and innovations. National Ergo 2024 serves as a comprehensive gathering for those in the field.
This article was originally posted on the ExoskeletonReport.com