NIOSH, NC State University Sign MOU to Advance Occupational Robotics Safety & Health Research

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Stevens, 202.245.0641

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Center for Occupational Robotics Research and the North Carolina State University, Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (NC State ISE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The objective of the 5-year agreement is to facilitate collaborative research between the institutions and provide educational opportunities for NC State students.

“This partnership provides a framework for mutually beneficial research and student learning to help advance our understanding of the potential benefits and risks of robots in the workplace,” said Dawn Castillo, MPH, manager, NIOSH Center for Occupational Robotics Research. “This agreement represents NIOSH’s continuing effort to expand its partnerships to collaborate on the safe development and deployment of robotics technologies and we look forward to working with NC State ISE moving forward.”

The NIOSH and NC State ISE partnership will encompass collaborative research through the use of complementary labs, guest research appointments, and co-authored publications. NC State ISE students also will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from NIOSH researchers as they work to address the knowledge gap related to robotics and worker safety and health.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience which will give them a competitive advantage in the job market,” said Dr. Julie Swann, department head, NC State ISE. “We look forward to working with NIOSH to improve workplace 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.

Visit the NIOSH website for more information on robotics and the Center for Occupational Robotics Research.

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.