IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - December 2017 - 9

walking while mimicking the natural
gait pattern of the legs. The majority of
the tasks within the Cybathlon exoskeleton race included those regular daily
operations that each ReWalker learns to
execute in the system. We have not
applied any changes to software or hardware to make our participation more
successful. Ultimately, ReWalk Exoskeleton is not designed as a sports device but
as a technology to enable the paralyzed
person upright mobility. The limits we
have seen-i.e., the stone path within
the exoskeleton race track-have been
clearly defined and accepted as such. But
taking a seat and standing up completely independently, managing the
obstacles along the walking path (the
normal pedestrian traffic), walking up
and down the ramp, opening the door
and closing it, ascending and descending the stairs-all those race tasks are
also the daily tasks to be completed
when walking in ReWalk and utilizing
it in everyday life. Our pilot managed
those at the best of his skills and
ReWalk's technology.
RAM: What was the most challenging
issue in which to participate? What was
the impact on your pilot?
Ikanovic: The most challenging
issue was to decide which ReWalker
would take part in Cybathlon! Indeed,
as the most used exoskeleton technology worldwide, we are proud to see
numerous skilled ReWalker users
worldwide, who are using the system
daily and in their everyday lives. So, it
was certainly a difficult decision to
make, as it was also a way to pay tribute
to the commitment and passion that
each ReWalker user performs when
learning to walk again. Finally, we
decided to take on the Cybathlon challenge with Andre van Rüschen, the
ReWalker user who has always pushed
himself to the limits, as someone whose
sportsmanship is paired with the goal to
inspire and motivate all others whose
lives are affected by spinal cord injury
(see Figure 1). His victory was also a
victory for his peers and other pilots,
those who took part at the first Cybathlon, and those who will join in the
upcoming competitions.

Assistant Professor in
Mechanical Engineering,
Tenure-Track

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering in the Faculty
of Engineering & Architectural Science at Ryerson University in
Toronto, Canada, invites applications for the tenure-track position of
Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering. The expected starting
date is July 1, 2018, subject to final budgetary approval. Candidates
should hold a PhD degree (or be near completion) in Mechanical
Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
Postdoctoral experience is an advantage. The selected candidate must
be eligible to register as a professional engineer (PEng) in the province
of Ontario. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to
upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as it
pertains to service and teaching, as well as scholarly, research or
creative activities.
Candidates must have outstanding research and teaching abilities in
Mechatronics Engineering, preferably with expertise in robotics and
control engineering, MEMS, and their applications. However,
consideration will be given to all exceptional candidates. The successful
candidate will have the ability to contribute to our undergraduate and
graduate programs. Candidates should hold a strong research
profile (e.g., evidence of an emerging scholarly record, and the
ability to establish and maintain an independent, externally
funded research program), evidence of high-quality teaching and
student training, and a capacity for collegial service.
The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering has a
complement of 37 faculty members and offers four-year accredited
programs leading to Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees in
Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. The department
also offers graduate programs leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
degree, Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree, and Master of
Engineering (MEng) degree. The Department of Mechanical &
Industrial Engineering is home to approximately 850 undergraduate
and 150 graduate students, and is one of the top engineering
departments contributing to research activities at Ryerson University.
Interested candidates can view the full posting details, including
instructions on how to apply, by searching under "Faculty
Opportunities" at www.ryerson.ca/jobs.

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
& Architectural Science
http://www.ryerson.ca/jobs
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - December 2017
