Promoting inclusiveness in exoskeleton robotics: Addressing challenges for pediatric access

Paladyn Journal of Behavioral Robotics, vol. 11, pp. 327–339

Abstract

Abstract Pediatric access to exoskeletons lags far behind that of adults. In this article, we promote inclusiveness in exoskeleton robotics by identifying and addressing challenges and barriers to pediatric access to this potentially life-changing technology. We first present available exoskeleton solutions for upper and lower limbs and note the variability in the absence of these. Next, we query the possible reasons for this variability in access, explicitly focusing on children, who constitute a categorically vulnerable population, and also stand to benefit significantly from the use of this technology at this critical point in their physical and emotional growth. We propose the use of a life-based design approach as a way to address some of the design challenges and offer insights toward a resolution regarding market viability and implementation challenges. We conclude that the development of pediatric exoskeletons that allow for and ensure access to health-enhancing technology is a crucial aspect of the responsible provision of health care to all members of society. For children, the stakes are particularly high, given that this technology, when used at a critical phase of a child’s development, not only holds out the possibility of improving the quality of life but also can improve the long-term health prospects.

Authors 3

1. Eduard Fosch‐Villaronga Aachen eLaw Center for Law and Digital Technologies

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   eLaw-Center for Law and Digital Technologies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 2311 ES, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Anto Čartolovni corresponding

   University of Hull · Catholic University of Croatia

   Affiliation as printed

   Digital Healthcare Ethics Laboratory (Digit-HeaL), Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb 10000, Croatia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK

3. Robin L Pierce

   Tilburg University

   Affiliation as printed

   Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology and Society (TILT), Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg, 5000 LE, The Netherlands