A group of UK-based researchers have received £2m ($3m) to develop wearable soft robotics that will the aid mobility and independence of the elderly, movement-impaired and disabled.

The wearables, which will come in the form of garments such as robotic trousers, will provide strength while walking and offer bionic support during actions such as standing up and climbing stairs. They could even be used to replace cumbersome mobility aids such as stairlifts.

Study lead researcher and reader in robotics at the University of Bristol Faculty of Engineering Dr Jonathan Rossiter said he expected the technology to become commonplace as western populations continue to age and require more assistance with mobility.

“It is important that we can maintain independence and dignity for people with disabilities and for the aging population,” he said in an email to Factor.

“We expect these kinds of wearable technologies to be a natural and unobtrusive part of our daily lives, as easy to put on as a normal pair of trousers.”

The reason for the projected high levels of adoption of the technology lies in its level of comfort, as it will be no more bulky than a padded jacket or protective sportswear.

“Soft robotic clothing is compliant, comfortable and feels natural – like any normal clothing. It moves with the body so that it is unobtrusive when its assist power is not needed,” explained Rossiter.

“It uses body and environmental sensors to determine when the wearer needs some assistance, for example when walking up stairs or when they are a bit wobbly on their feet. It then automatically reacts to assist the wearer by employing artificial muscles built into the fabric to give extra mobility, strength and stability.

“These artificial muscles are made from smart materials that expand, contract or bend when electrically stimulated, much like biological muscles.”

The technology would represent a stark contrast to the hard, wearable exoskeletons being developed by an array of other companies as mobility aids.

“Soft robotic clothing is completely different from conventional exoskeletons that are made from rigid materials, such as metals and hard plastics, and driven by motors and gearboxes,” added Rossiter.

“In contrast to these slow, uncomfortable, expensive and cumbersome devices, our smart clothing will interact more naturally and effectively with the wearer. They become more of a ‘second skin’.”

If successful, the technology could see the elderly and mobility impaired return to a quality of life previously enjoyed only by the young and healthy, and enabled them to use areas that have poor disabled access, such as many transit hubs.

However, the technology also presents a significant financial benefit for healthcare providers.

Accidents and injury as a result of poor mobility are a serious strain on health budgets, with the UK’s NHS alone spending £2bn ($3bn) on treatment for falls each year.

Having been awarded its funding, the research project will commence in March this year, with an expected end date in March 2018. During this time the researchers will work with elderly and disabled volunteers to develop wearable robotics that provide true and effective impacts on their quality of life.