Momentum - The Magazine for Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Vol. 3 No. 2 Summer 2018 | Page 18

Farmers engaged in the
project get a look at some of
the robotic technology in the
lab of Alexander Leonessa,
associate professor of mechan-
ical engineering.
ogy meets the goal.
“These devices will be something the
farmers will wear to fulfill their daily tasks
in a more comfortable way,” said Leonessa.
“Many of our older farmers have age-related
issues, such as arthritis, and by providing this
technology we can ensure they can complete
their tasks. The goal is not for farmers to
work until they are 90 years old, but to allow
MOMENTUM
SUMMER 2018
them to work with less fatigue and be able
to continue to do what they love to do while
staying healthy.”
The devices will assist with various func-
tions, including movements associated with
farming, such as using a shovel or driving a
tractor. For example, industry partner, TORC
Robotics, will evaluate implementing re-
mote-controlled farm equipment. In this case,
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