This year was on track to have the most exoskeleton events than ever before. The more than ten exoskeleton, exosuit, and wearable robotics specific conferences and meetings would have made 2020 the best year for exo technology dissemination, second to none. Education on the potential and advances on human physical augmentation, however, is being hindered by an unwelcome and deadly guest.
The Coronavirus has brought both panic and misery to nearly every corner of the world. Exoskeleton event organizers have correctly prioritized caution and safety:
WearRAcon 20 is moving to a digital experience:
WearRAcon 20 Update: COVID-19 (March 13)
WearRAcon In-Person Meeting Cancelled – Moving to a Virtual Platform
Dear Wearable Robotics Community,
Given the unfolding public health concern posed by COVID-19, WearRA has made the decision to cancel the in-person WearRAcon 20 planned for March 31 – April 1, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ. This is especially disappointing because one of the tremendous values that WearRAcon provides is the ability for attendees to actually see and WEAR the most innovative technology before it is even available in the marketplace. We are currently exploring opportunities to deliver a virtual conference. We encourage you to hold the conference dates on your calendar while we develop the preliminary virtual program, which we will share as soon as we can.
The decision to cancel the in-person conference was not taken lightly. Over the past weeks, we have been closely monitoring updates and recommendations from the CDC and the WHO, as well as state and local governments. Taking into consideration the increasing concerns over travel bans and restrictions, sentiment of exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and attendees, and the health, safety and well-being of our members, we came to this difficult conclusion. The hospitality and travel workers that depend on our travel dollars and serve us so faithfully during our time away from our loved ones will be deeply hurt in a way that most of us have never experienced. As an organization, WearRA is truly sympathetic to the impact this change will have on these individuals.
As details become available, we will communicate via email, and our website, updates on virtual conference plans, along with information regarding refund and credit options for registrants.
This has been a challenge for all of us, but WearRA members and the wearable robotics community are resilient. Your patience is appreciated as we work through the process as efficiently and thoughtfully as possible. May you and yours be safe and well during these unsettled times.
Sincerely,
Joseph K. Hitt, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Wearable Robotics Association
April Face to Face ASTM F48 Committee Meeting on Exoskeletons and Exosuits – Cancelled
The first in-person meeting for this calendar year of the committee has been canceled. It was originally to be held April 1-2, 2020 in conjunction with WearRAcon 20.
UPDATE 3/13/20: In light of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and growing safety concerns for members and staff, ASTM International has announced that ALL in-person committee meetings including April committee weeks (Boston and Prague) AND independent committee meetings in April have been canceled. – ASTM Internation Website
Exoskeletons and Wearable Robots: current practice and future perspectives
in automotive, aviation, construction, health care, logistics, manufacturing – Postponed
Originally scheduled for April 23 and 24 in the BEC! Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain, this event has been postponed:
Exoskeleton and Wearable Robots event postponed due to COVID-19
Given the unique circumstance surrounding coronavirus, the organisers of the Exoskeleton and Wearable Robots event have made the difficult decision, after careful consideration and comprehensive evaluation of currently available information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that the event will not take place as planned in Bilbao, Spain on 23.-24. April 2020. The decision was made based on the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the regulations and restrictions put in place by regional authorities.
The health and safety of the attendees, speakers, exhibitors and organisers are our priority. While we believe that the decision to postpone the event is absolutely the correct one to safeguard our participants from further potential exposure to the coronavirus, we also understand that is a disappointing and we are investigating option for rescheduling the Exoskeleton and Wearable Robotics event in the near future.
We will inform the registered attendees, speakers and exhibitors of our decision and next steps as soon as they are confirmed and thank all for their patience and support. – COST Action Network CA16116
CYBATHLON (Cybernetic Athlon) 2020 – Rescheduled
ATTENTION: In view of the current situation and after consultation with the responsible health authorities as well as the extremely understanding partners and supporters of the event, ETH Zurich, together with the CYBATHLON Organising Committee, has decided to postpone the CYBATHLON from 2–3 May 2020 to 19–20 September 2020.
We thank all participants for their understanding and look forward to a successful CYBATHLON in September 2020. – CYBATHLON
Staying updated:
The situation around this global pandemic is evolving rapidly, in some places, hourly. The Exoskeleton Report team is in the SF Bay Area which today, has been placed on lockdown. Our team will strive to update the Exoskeleton Event Calendar with all relevant changes. If you have event information, don’t hesitate to contact us or directly post it in the comments section below (note that comments will not post immediately, they will go through a two-stage authentification first).
From the entire Exoskeleton Report team, stay safe!
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