Conference Agenda

Sit-to-stand (STS) performance is a key indicator of functional mobility and independence in aging populations, yet most assistive solutions remain limited by high cost, bulky designs, powered actuation, or dependence on laboratory-grade evaluation systems. This paper presents a low-cost passive wearable device based on a lateral spring mechanism designed to support knee extension during STS while aiming to minimize potential interference with daily mobility. A proof-of-concept evaluation was conducted using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSTS) protocol under two conditions (with and without the device). Kinematic variables (knee angle and hip speed) were extracted from standard video recordings using Kinovea as an accessible motion analysis tool. Results showed reduced 5TSTS completion time for both participants when using the prototype, along with condition-dependent differences in knee angle range and hip speed profiles across cycles. The main contributions are: (a) a mechanically simple and low-cost passive wearable design for STS assistance; (b) a reproducible evaluation workflow using 5TSTS and video-based kinematic analysis; and (c) preliminary evidence that the prototype can influence functional performance and movement dynamics across repeated STS cycles.

Urban overheating has become a critical environmental challenge in cities located in warm–humid climates, driven by rapid urbanization, increased surface impermeability, and the reduction of green areas. Among passive bioclimatic strategies, green roofs have gained attention for their potential to improve building thermal performance and mitigate the urban heat island effect. However, their effective implementation requires the integration of technical design criteria with local regulatory frameworks. This article analyzes bioclimatic design criteria and the regulatory context applicable to green roofs in the urban environment of Guayaquil. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature and an analysis of current building and urban regulations. Key bioclimatic parameters—such as substrate thickness, vegetation selection, water management, and structural considerations—are identified and contrasted with existing normative provisions to assess their compatibility and level of integration. The results reveal that, while green roofs demonstrate significant potential to reduce surface temperatures and enhance thermal comfort in warm–humid conditions, local regulations lack specific technical guidelines to support their standardized application. This regulatory gap limits the widespread adoption of green roofs as a climate-responsive urban strategy. The findings highlight the need to incorporate explicit bioclimatic and technical criteria for green roof design into local regulatory instruments. Establishing such guidelines could facilitate their implementation, improve thermal performance in buildings, and contribute to broader urban sustainability and climate adaptation goals.

Social interest housing in Ecuador is developed within a context characterized by a high housing deficit, strong concentration of urban land ownership, and institutional limitations in the effective application of existing regulations. In cities such as Guayaquil, these conditions translate into difficulties in accessing serviced land, prolonged administrative processes, and repeated design adjustments required to comply with municipal ordinances. Although the Ecuadorian legal framework recognizes the right to adequate housing and establishes responsibilities for local governments, regulatory rigidity and the lack of early integration of norms into the design process negatively affect the efficiency and feasibility of social housing projects. This paper analyzes the main challenges associated with the application of municipal regulations in social interest housing in Guayaquil and proposes parametric design as a strategy to optimize regulatory compliance. Based on the analysis of Ecuadorian urban and construction regulations and the review of local experiences, regulatory constraints are translated into controllable design parameters. The results indicate that this approach reduces design rework, improves spatial coherence, and facilitates project adaptability to different urban conditions. It is concluded that the systematic integration of regulations through parametric tools represents an effective alternative for strengthening the development of social housing under Ecuadorian regulatory frameworks.

This article presents the design and fabrication of a leg exoskeleton using digital manufacturing tools and Industry 4.0 technologies, with a focus on 3D printing and electronic production. Two specific objectives were pursued: Design and fabricate an exoskeleton prototype using 3D printing and laser-cutting tools and develop and program the controller and user interface for optimal operation. The prototype was developed by integrating processes such as design, simulation, digital integration, computer-aided manufacturing, 3D printing, electronics design and fabrication, programming, IoT, interface development, and mobile application integration. The scope of the project is to propose a low-cost and easily manufacturable solution for individuals who require such devices or are interested in their development and production. Results: The project aimed to propose a simple and affordable system for the fabrication of an exoskeletal device intended to assist human mobility. The advantages include reduced complexity in the development and production of components, integration with other devices, incorporation of 3D printing in the fabrication of mobility assistance devices, and custom controller design. Conclusion: The project results demonstrate the feasibility of developing and producing a leg exoskeleton using affordable Industry 4.0 tools and technologies.

The community and access to decent housing have a direct influence on the use of public space and its use characteristics; this generates a high influence in determining the quality of life and health status of the population. Currently, the provision of Social Interest Housing (VIS) is a paused process; since although the provision of spaces exists, the renewal of furniture, equipment, and infrastructure is fragmented due to a lack of maintenance and comprehensive provision. The objective of this scientific article is to design a VIS using the QFD-Kano model to develop a comprehensive and functional to low-cost design of houses. As a conclusion, the user satisfaction levels for social housing with a parametric design by 23 %. We can identify the major variables influencing the user experience using this design method and precisely determine the functions and weight values necessary for the design of social housing to reduce costs and create comfortable spaces. It is an advantageous practical guide for the next product design and has significant theoretical value for defining productive and progressive social housing development.

The gap in scientific and technical education in vulnerable sectors represents a significant barrier to social mobility and the development of future engineering vocations. This paper presents the results of "Con-Ciencia," an interdisciplinary service-learning intervention designed to strengthen STEM competencies in two educational institutions in marginalized contexts in Ecuador. The project implemented a dual-approach model: (1) Academic reinforcement in Mathematics and Physics using active learning methodologies, and (2) Technical intervention in industrial safety and workshop organization. The initiative involved the collaboration of undergraduate students from Industrial, Mechanical, and Design Engineering, alongside graduate students in Education. The study followed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests applied to a population of 335 beneficiaries. Quantitative results demonstrate statistically significant improvements: in Mathematics, average scores increased by 8.9% in the first institution and between 55.4% and 145.7% in the second. In Physics, a 65% improvement was recorded following specific workshops. Beyond academic metrics, the intervention resulted in the technical reorganization of school workshops, implementing safety signaling and risk delimitation proposed by engineering students. These findings validate the proposed model as a scalable strategy to foster STEM skills while developing social responsibility and professional competencies in university engineering students.

Energy-intensive pavement production represents a structural barrier for rural and low-resource municipalities in developing countries. This study reframes a 2021 experimental asphalt design dataset within a Humanitarian Engineering perspective, evaluating low-temperature asphalt mixtures as an energy-resilient alternative for rural infrastructure systems in Peru.

A quantitative, experimental, longitudinal laboratory design was employed using 24 Marshall specimens (12 conventional hot mix asphalt and 12 low-temperature modified mixtures). Mechanical performance indicators included bulk specific gravity, air voids, flow, corrected stability, and stiffness index. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA to compare performance behavior across mixture types. Results demonstrated statistically significant differences in flow (F=9.523; p<0.001), corrected stability (F=9.019; p<0.001), and stiffness index (F=20.144; p<0.001), while air void content showed no significant variation (p=0.519). Although conventional asphalt exhibited higher structural rigidity, the low-temperature mixture maintained acceptable mechanical performance within national specifications while enabling reduced production temperatures.

From a humanitarian engineering standpoint, these findings suggest that controlled reduction in mixture rigidity may enhance constructability, decrease energy demand, and improve feasibility of pavement production in energy-constrained rural contexts. The study proposes a resilience-based framework for asphalt design prioritizing energy efficiency, local adaptability, and environmental mitigation over maximum mechanical rigidity.