At the 2025 a2 National Symposium held at the Harvard Club of Boston, Conor Walsh, PhD, delivered a plenary address exploring the intersection of soft wearable robotics, artificial intelligence, and personalized rehabilitation. Dr. Walsh is the Paul A. Maeder Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University and founder of the Harvard Biodesign Lab. His work pioneers the development of soft exosuits that support mobility and recovery for individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

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The session, titled “Machine Learning and AI Methods for Aging and Dementia Care,” was introduced by Benjamin Marlin, PhD, professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and associate director of MassAITC. Dr. Walsh emphasized how machine learning enhances adaptability and user-specific therapy, and shared a vision for home-based rehabilitation using wearable devices that offer real-time feedback and data-driven support.

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Watch the full video above to learn how AI-powered wearables are redefining mobility and care for older adults.