Episode 10: Report From National Ergonomics Conference and Augmented Enterprise Summit

In this episode, WearRA director Dr. Thomas Sugar recaps his trips to the:

•  2024 Las Vegas National Ergonomics Conference
• Are You Ready for Exoskeletons Workshop (held at the same conference)
• Augmented Enterprise Summit

Join us as we take a front-row seat to two premiere events and the latest trends in exoskeletons, wearable robotics, general wearables, and augmented and virtual reality. Where is the technology going, how does it relate to physical human augmentation, and what can we learn?

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Summary of Episode 10 (AI-Generated)

Welcome everyone to Episode 10 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast, the show where human augmentation technology is explored in the context of competing in a universe of automation and AI, and where rethinking aging and independent living is at the forefront. In this session, there is a special focus on two recent conferences and the insights gained from them: the National Ergonomics Conference and the Augmented Enterprise Summit.

The first part of the discussion centers on the National Ergonomics Conference, which is one of the longest-running ergonomics events. A key highlight was a master class on exoskeletons, presented by four industry experts who help companies evaluate whether they are ready to implement this technology. They emphasized leadership buy-in, openness to innovation, and the willingness to engage in trial-and-error to ensure the successful integration of exoskeleton systems into the workplace.

Another major talking point was how to start a pilot program properly, including selecting the correct tasks to test, getting employee feedback, and securing comprehensive management support. The master class also offered practical guidance on using industry standards—particularly those from ASTM’s F48 committee—so that a company or an organization can systematically adopt exoskeletons while maintaining a focus on safety and efficacy. Attendees learned about real-world data on the benefits of exoskeletons, including the potential for reduced fatigue, better ergonomics, and even improved product quality.

Following this deep dive into ergonomics, the conversation moved on to highlights from the Augmented Enterprise Summit. Although originally focused on augmented and virtual reality headsets and wearable devices, the event presented valuable lessons for exoskeleton adoption as well. In particular, it demonstrated how a robust technology ecosystem develops when end users, device manufacturers, and integrators collaborate through alliance-building, best-practice sharing, and iterative feedback loops.

Several success stories showcased how wearable technology—powered by augmented and virtual reality—can significantly enhance tasks such as inspection, maintenance, and design. From using smart headsets to automatically generate reports to leveraging digital twin technology for product customization, attendees learned how crucial it is to align leadership, secure champions at multiple levels, and quantify success metrics (KPIs). These insights resonated with exoskeleton adoption, where the challenges of wearability, user acceptance, and measurable outcomes parallel those found in AR/VR implementations.

Finally, the discussion touched on the importance of strong community support and continued research, including the invaluable role of patrons and supporters. The recognition of patron tiers underscored how collective contributions drive ongoing investigations and reporting, fostering further exploration of human augmentation technologies. 

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