EXO-CARE

Development of an innovative hybrid exoskeleton to provide physical support for personal care in care homes and at home.

Period

2024-2026 (in progress)

General Info

Applied research program

Typology

Funded PR FESR TOSCANA 2021 – 2027, AZIONE 1.1.4 Ricerca e sviluppo per le imprese anche in raggruppamento con organismi di ricerca. BANDO N.1 : Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo

LED Team

Francesca Tosi (Scientific Responsible)

Mattia Pistolesi (Scientific Coordinator)

Rodolfo Nucci Porsani, Ester Iacono (Collaborators)- Department of Architecture DIDA - University of Florence

Partnership

Uscita di Sicurezza - Società Cooperativa Sociale - Onlus

Wearable Robotics S.r.l.

Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant’Anna - University of Pisa

Nomos - Società Cooperativa Sociale - O.n.l.u.s.

Ancom S.r.l.

Metal technology S.r.l.

Abstract

The EXO.CARE project, funded through the RS1 2023 call of the Tuscany Region within the PR FESR 2021–2027 programme, aims to improve assistance services for elderly and disabled people through the integration of advanced technologies. Led by the social cooperative Uscita di Sicurezza, in collaboration with universities and specialized companies, the initiative focuses on the development of an innovative hybrid exoskeleton designed to reduce the physical workload of healthcare operators and enhance the quality of care services.

The project seeks to create a wearable robotic exoskeleton capable of supporting caregivers in both residential healthcare facilities and home-care settings.

The system is intended to reduce physical strain, improve operational efficiency, and provide safer and less demanding assistance activities. The exoskeleton will be customized according to the specific needs of both operators and patients, ensuring greater adaptability and effectiveness in different care contexts.

EXO.CARE aims to foster innovation in the fields of robotics and healthcare assistance while improving the quality of life of caregivers and assisted individuals. In particular, the project seeks to reduce the risk of work-related injuries and increase the overall effectiveness of care services.

The project is structured into five phases, beginning with needs analysis and continuing through the design and development of the hybrid exoskeleton. The system will then be tested in real-life scenarios involving operators working in residential facilities and home-care environments. Specific training activities for caregivers and a series of evaluation analyses will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and impact of the system.

Linked Publications

Iacono, E., Nucci Porsani, R., & Pistolesi, M. (2026). EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ACCEPTANCE OF PASSIVE EXOSKELETONS IN HEALTHCARE SECTOR: INSIGHTS FROM A HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN APPROACH. THE ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ERGONOMICS , 31 (31).