The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Center for Occupational Robotics Research has signed an MOU with the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) to enable collaborative robotics research between the institutions and provide educational opportunities for UW-Madison students.

“This MOU provides a framework for NIOSH researchers and UW-Madison faculty and students to work together toward the shared goal of advancing robotics research and prevention strategies to keep workers safe on the job,” said Hongwei Hsiao, Ph.D., coordinator of the NIOSH Center for Occupational Robotics Research. “We look forward to working with UW-Madison moving forward as a partner in NIOSH's effort to close the knowledge gap related to robotics and worker safety and health.”

The 5-year NIOSH and UW-Madison partnership will encompass collaborative research using complementary labs, guest research appointments, co-authored publications, and experiential learning. UW-Madison students will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from NIOSH researchers, contributing directly to NIOSH research.

“UW-Madison is uniquely positioned to help advance worker safety through our research and education portfolio in occupational ergonomics, robotics, and human-robot interaction, which works collaboratively across departments,” says Robert Radwin, the Duane H. and Dorothy M. Bluemke Professor in industrial and systems engineering at UW-Madison and an expert in occupational health and safety.

Launched in September 2017, NIOSH’s Center for Occupational Robotics Research provides scientific leadership to guide the development and use of occupational robots that enhance worker safety, health, and wellbeing. The Center facilitates robotics-related research of traditional industrial robots and emerging robotic technology to prevent traumatic injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological stress across many industrial sectors.

NIOSH is the federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Find more information about NIOSH at www.cdc.gov/niosh.