Finding solutions and new applications for the FORTIS exoskeleton, developed by the multinational Lockheed Martin, was the central goal of Desafío FORTIS 2022, organized by Know Hub Chile. The initiative sought to strengthen ties between the national R&D&I ecosystem and an international leader in the aerospace industry, within the framework of the New Engineering for 2030 programs implemented at Chilean universities.
After the proposals were evaluated by Know Hub Chile and Lockheed Martin’s technical committee, Universidad Austral de Chile was selected, with a project led by faculty from its Schools of Engineering Sciences and Medicine. The proposal focused on improving the performance and applicability of the FORTIS exoskeleton, a passive tool designed to reduce muscle strain in demanding work environments such as industrial plants, field operations or public services.
The results of the challenge were presented at the Dual Hub Summit, the first national dual innovation meeting, held at Universidad del Bío-Bío in Concepción. During the event, the UACh team shared the project’s technical progress and a key outcome: the creation of the interdisciplinary unit RINHoS (Research and Innovation in Health Solutions), coordinated by Dr. Belkys Amador. This new space seeks to address complex health challenges through advanced technologies and biological processes, building on the work begun with FORTIS and focusing on workplace well-being.
UACh’s experience with the FORTIS challenge and the creation of RINHoS are concrete examples of how dual innovation (with both civilian and defense applications) can translate into high-impact solutions for society. This approach fosters collaboration among universities, industry and government, allowing technologies developed for demanding sectors, such as the military or aerospace, to be adapted to other contexts, improving areas such as occupational health, productivity and quality of life.
At the same Dual Hub Summit, UACh faculty also presented the university’s training capabilities in dual innovation, particularly through its Institute of Naval and Maritime Sciences. They highlighted its contribution to strategic challenges such as the National Continuous Shipbuilding Plan and its collaboration with the defense sector. This participation reinforces the role of universities as key players in technological development with social and economic impact.
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