March 7, 2024 – Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, together with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) in collaboration with the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), alongside Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited, unveiled the “Rachel” bodysuit innovation. The launch event featured presentations from leading experts, sharing valuable insights and information on advancements in technology for an aging population.
MTEC has been nurturing and developing “Exosuit Innovation” for the aging society to improve the quality of life for active seniors. These innovations allow them to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives for as long as possible. As part of this Exosuit Innovation initiative, the “Rachel” bodysuit has received research funding from the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI). Designed for comfortable, long-term wear, the Rachel bodysuit promotes freedom of movement and reduces the risk of injuries during daily activities.
This innovative bodysuit incorporates specially designed fabric properties and tailoring that allow for natural muscle movement. It offers valuable assistance to seniors in performing everyday tasks like standing up, lifting objects, navigating stairs, and managing housework. The research team has meticulously developed and tested the Rachel bodysuit for effectiveness. Furthermore, a collaboration with Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited is underway to refine it into a marketable product specifically designed for the aging population.
Dr. Charay Vichathai, Research Manager at the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), announced HSRI’s funding for a research project at MTEC in fiscal year 2022. This project focused on enhancing wearable suits with tracking systems and applications to support muscles and prevent injuries in the elderly population. Building on MTEC’s expertise in exoskeletons, including motion-assist exosuit technology and injury-preventive wearable technology, the project aims to further develop and expand the use of the “Rachel All-day Suit” prototype.
“Our research grants directly support the development of groundbreaking medical and public health solutions with real-world impact, improving people’s lives,” explained Dr. Charay. “A prime example is this grant, which empowered our research network to develop cutting-edge healthcare innovations like the “Rachel” bodysuit. Not only would this locally manufactured technology be affordable, but it would also be accessible for Thai elderly individuals under public health insurance systems, thus prolonging their independence”
Ms. Natcharinthorn Pongsupachintapa, Executive Director of the Human Science Research Center at Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited, said that, for over 50 years, the company has been operating a women’s undergarment business under the Wacoal brand. They are committed to ongoing research and development, with a keen focus on adapting to changing demographics. Recognizing the importance of proper fit for safety and comfort, particularly for products impacting the human body, Wacoal prioritizes size inclusivity to cater to users of all ages.
Wacoal pioneered the first scientific body size survey in Thailand in 1981. Since then, the company has maintained a strong commitment to collaborative research, working with government agencies like the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and NECTEC (SIZE THAILAND project) and universities, such as Mahidol University, to conduct nationwide surveys on the body sizes of Thai children and women. In recognition of Thailand’s growing elderly population (as identified by the National Statistical Office in 2009), Wacoal conducted a targeted survey on Thai women aged 45-65. Leveraging the data from this survey, Wacoal Gold, their brand dedicated to seniors, developed a new line of products specifically catering to their needs.
In 2023, Wacoal joined the launch of the “Rachel” innovation. This aligns with the company’s goal of research and development of products for an aging society to improve the quality of life for all Thais. The collaboration has led to further development efforts, combining Wacoal’s renowned material and tailoring expertise with MTEC’s cutting-edge research and development in wearable technology, and PATTERN IT’s proficiency in pattern-making and tailoring. This collaborative effort resulted in the “Rachel” bodysuit that boasts exceptional features: suitable mechanical properties for movement, lightweight construction, and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. These features make it ideal for all-day wear, both indoors and outdoors, specially designed for the Thai elderly population.
Ms. Natcharinthorn further expressed confidence in Wacoal’s ability to evolve the “Rachel suit” from the “All-day” model to the “Everyday” model, seamlessly blending functionality with fashion. This improved “Rachel” suit will perfectly cater to the active lifestyles of our maturing population, ultimately promoting a higher quality of life for all target groups. Wacoal firmly believes that this will create a positive impact that benefits Thailand as a whole.
Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), explained the origins of this innovative project. Recognizing the importance of promoting a high quality of life and well-being for its increasingly elderly population, MTEC launched the NSTDA Frontier Research Exoskeleton program. This initiative provides crucial support for research and development in exoskeleton technology. These external wearable devices, known as exo-apparel or exosuits, aim to improve mobility and prevent falls for seniors. Prioritizing the needs of independent seniors, the design considers age-related physical changes and lifestyle. Additionally, the production process emphasizes cost-effectiveness to ensure affordability for Thailand’s elderly population.
Dr.-Ing. Sarawut Lerspalungsanti, Acting Deputy Director of MTEC, said that MTEC initially partnered with several organizations. These partners included the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Physical Therapy at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, the College of Sports Science and Technology at Mahidol University, and PATTERN IT. The collaboration aimed to develop a “Rachel” (Active model) bodysuit designed for independent elderly individuals. The bodysuit integrates various technologies, including wearable motion tracking, pneumatic artificial muscles, and musculoskeletal modeling.
The “Rachel Active” model is designed with a human-centric approach, supporting muscles used in daily activities like standing, climbing stairs, and lifting objects. Lightweight and discreetly worn under clothing, it allows elderly users to maintain mobility and reduce their risk of injury throughout the day. MTEC researchers evaluated the bodysuit’s effectiveness at the Wearable Technologies Consulting Services Lab, established with funding from the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) as part of the 2022 Industrial and Service Integration Development Plan of the Future.
Building on this success, MTEC secured funding from HSRI and NSTDA in 2022 to develop the “Rachel All-day” bodysuit, designed specifically for self-sufficient elderly individuals. By leveraging the expertise of the research team, the muscle- support function was created by combining the mechanical properties of fabric materials and pattern design techniques. Tailoring techniques ensure both flexibility and optimal properties, making the “All-day” model lightweight, comfortable, and breathable for extended wear. The bodysuit effectively supports movement and reduces the risk of injury. Furthermore, the integrated wearable motion-tracking technology is undergoing continuous refinement.
In collaboration with Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited, MTEC designed the “Rachel” Everyday” bodysuit specifically for independent elderly men and women who may be at risk of everyday injuries. This joint effort aimed to enhance their mobility, reduce reliance on others, and empower them to participate more actively in Thailand’s growing silver-age economy. Capitalizing on this success, the project will broaden its target demographic to include working-age adults. This encompasses individuals susceptible to muscle or ligament strains, as well as those suffering from office syndrome.
