Self-dressing clothes could help older adults

Most of us get dressed every day without thinking twice about it. However, a stiff shoulder can make pulling on a shirt surprisingly difficult, while balance problems can turn a simple pair of pants into a real challenge. That is what makes a new invention from South Korea's KAIST and Stanford University worth watching.

Researchers have created self-dressing clothes with soft, air-powered robots built into the fabric. Once activated, the garment moves along the body and helps guide itself into place, even while the wearer moves. The technology remains an early research project, but it shows how future clothing could help older adults get dressed with less assistance and stay independent at home longer.

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com.NEW YORK SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DEPLOY HUMANOID ROBOT IN CLASSROOMS THIS FALLGetting dressed ranks among the basic activities that often determine whether someone can live independently. When mobility or dexterity declines, people may need a spouse, family member or professional caregiver to help with a deeply personal routine.

The researchers behind the project say dressing challenges can reduce autonomy and increase reliance on caregivers. They designed the system for people with limited mobility, including older adults and those recovering from injuries. Stanford researchers have also identified dressing assistance as an important use for future home robots.

The university says assistive technology could help older adults remain in their homes as c