Professor Shaoping Bai, Aalborg University, Denmark answers our questions about their work and Cambridge University Press’s journal Wearable Technologies.

What first attracted you to the field of wearable technologies?

My research in wearable technologies is dated back to more than 15 years ago, when I made changes of research area from service robots to wearable robotics. For me, wearable robotics stands for new opportunities in robotics research, which brings new challenges in human-centered robot design, interaction sensing and control, and broad applications covering healthcare, welfare service, industry, military and others. In the past two decades, we have witnessed advances in technologies of wearable robotics and also many successful and exciting  user cases, such as the case of Helle Hedegaard Jensen, a 49 years old lady who now relies on a shoulder exoskeleton to regain working capability. I am honored of being one of the researchers involved in this development. This story motivates me for more research and innovation to benefit more users.

What are you currently working on that you’d like to tell us about?

My research works focus on the design of innovative exoskeletons and wearable sensors. We are developing new actuation technology that can drive lower-limb exoskeletons with high energy efficiency. The new technology will enable exoskeletons providing effective assistance while consuming less energy thus lead to a long battery life. A long-battery life is essential for applications such as physical assistance to the elder, the physical worker, rescue personals, etc. We expected the new technology will prolong battery life from about 2 hours at current level to 8 hours. This will finally enable exoskeletons being deployed in real world activities, for example, assisting walk for the elderly and persons suffering from walking impairments, rescue workers, labor workers in logistics, etc. We also develop new sensor technology for effective motion detection for the purpose of intelligent locomotion control, in a close collaboration with a startup company in wearable technologies, namely, BioX.

In 2025, I worked on the 2^nd edition of the book entitled ‘Wearable exoskeleton systems: design, control and applications’, in collaboration with two other scientists, namely, professor Gurvinder Virk of Endoenergy Systems, UK, and professor Thomas Sugar of  Arizona State University, supported by the IET Press. The first edition of the book was published in 2018, covering fundamental topics of exoskeleton research and development such as design and modelling, sensing and actuating. Six years later, we witnessed huge progress in exoskeleton technology, from both research and development to innovations.  A brief survey shows that there are more than 100 exoskeleton products that have entered the market, while there were only a handful of commercial exoskeletons available six years ago. In this light, we started editing for the 2^nd version of the book on 2024, with chapters covering more broad topics, not only research topics, but also inclusive design, performance assessment methods, international regulations from commercialisation perspectives. I am glad to share that the book editing is done already and it will be published in Feb, 2026.

 What are some of the challenges facing the field today?

As a general design principle, the design and development of exoskeletons should follow three rules, namely, it must be (1) kinematic/dynamic compatible, (2)  physiologically compatible, and (3) cognitively compatible with human users. The three compatibility have different implications. Kinematic compatibility requires an exoskeleton has to comply with the kinematic constraints of human body due to the mechanical structure, such that human joints can move freely with their maximum ranges of motion, while physiological compatibility will ensure that the exoskeleton matches the physiological conditions or characteristics of the users. For example, exoskeletons are being developed with compliant actuators, either SEA (serial elastic actuator) or VSA (variable stiffness actuator), to be compatible with human muscle stiffness. Finally, the cognitive compatibility implies that exoskeletons have ‘awareness’, i.e., they are able to understand and aware of human intention, so they are able to assist and communicate seamlessly with their human user. With cognitive compatibility, the exoskeletons will become an organically integrated part of the user’s body.

Generally, the research challenges come from all three requirements of compatibilities, but the most challenge task is to achieve cognitive compatibility, which relies on advanced sensing and AI technologies and also our understanding of neuromechanics. In the meantime, the challenge to build wearable exoskeletons, which are comfort, safe to use, and durable, still remains.

Why should authors publish in Wearable Technologies?

Wearable Technologies is the only journal dedicated to research, development and innovation of wearable technologies, including exoskeletons, prosthesis, wearable sensors, and their applications. The journal accepts papers of design, control, mechanics, assessment, sensors, and artificial intelligence related to the wearable technologies. Moreover, the editorial board composes of experts and leading scientists in the above areas to treat and review all manuscripts in professional and efficient manner.

What are your top 3 papers that were published in the journal in 2025?

1. Advancing Gait Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review of Robotic Exoskeletons for Cerebral Palsy
   Authors: Amna Riaz Khawaja , Prashant K. Jamwal, Dilnoza Karibzhanova,  Sunil Agrawal
2. Performance characterization of a novel semi-active exoskeleton for overhead work
   Authors: Jonas Schiebl ,Christophe Maufroy, Nils Ziegenspeck, Christof Giers,Bassam Elmakhzangy, Urs Schneider, and Thomas Bauernhansl
3. Soft back exosuit controlled by neuro-mechanical modeling provides adaptive assistance while lifting unknown loads and reduces lumbosacral compression forces
   Authors: Alejandro Moya-Esteban, Mohamed Irfan Refai Massimo Sartori
   

Wearable Technologies is the first open access journal dedicated to publishing original research, review articles and industrial developments related to wearable devices. Wearable technologies have a role in areas such as rehabilitation, industry, environment/exploration, injury prevention, military, diagnostics, animals, sport and leisure and this journal aims to connect research from all areas of wearable technologies.