A World Connected: Advancing Assistive Technologies for Global Equity – ISPO World Congress 2027 comes to Bangkok
How can assistive technologies reach the people who need them most? Turning innovation into real access, real mobility and real independence will be one of the central challenges explored at the ISPO 21st World Congress, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 22 to 25 March 2027. As the premier international event in prosthetics, orthotics and assistive technology, the congress will explore the future of mobility and rehabilitation – from breakthrough robotics and bionic limbs to sustainable rehabilitation systems and inclusive healthcare policies. Six keynote lectures and more than 120 sessions will spotlight the latest scientific, clinical and technological developments, featuring internationally recognised experts such as Sisary Kheng, Natasha Layton, Nerrolyn Ramstrand, Massimo Sartori and Zy Kher Lee.
“Under the theme ‘A World Connected: Advancing Assistive Technologies for Global Equity', we gather at a time when connection across people, disciplines, regions, and ideas is increasingly important,” says ISPO President Sandra Ramdial, who also serves as Chair of the World Congress. “The theme reflects a shared commitment to placing assistive technologies at the heart of rehabilitation and empowerment, and to addressing persistent gaps and inequities so that individuals everywhere can access appropriate support and services.”
A global forum for innovation, research and practice
Over four days, the congress will bring together the international rehabilitation community for a comprehensive programme covering the full spectrum of prosthetics, orthotics, assistive technology and rehabilitation services.
Participants can expect:
• Six keynote lectures by leading international experts
• 120 sessions with more than 300 presenters
• Symposia, instructional courses and technical track presentations
• Free paper sessions and poster presentations
• The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) student competition
• An international exhibition with more than 100 exhibitors
The programme will cover a broad range of topics including prosthetics and orthotics, robotics and exoskeletons, device fabrication and design, seating and wheelchairs, paediatrics, outcome measurements, rehabilitation medicine and surgery, as well as education, health policy and sustainability in rehabilitation systems.
International keynote speakers
The keynote programme will highlight leading voices from across research, policy and clinical practice.
Keynote speakers confirmed include:
Sisary Kheng, CEO of Exceed Worldwide in Cambodia, is a leading advocate for sustainable rehabilitation systems and professional education in prosthetics and orthotics. Her work focuses on strengthening national rehabilitation services and expanding access to mobility care across Asia.
Associate Professor Natasha Layton of Monash University, Australia, is internationally recognised for her work on assistive technology policy, outcomes and global access. She contributed to the WHO and UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology and works closely with governments and international organisations to improve assistive technology systems worldwide.
Professor Nerrolyn Ramstrand of Jönköping University, Sweden, is known for her research on user-centred prosthetics and orthotics care. Her work focuses on ensuring that assistive technologies respond to the real needs and everyday contexts of the people who use them.
Professor Massimo Sartori, Head of Neuromuscular Robotics at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, is pioneering new approaches to restoring movement through robotics and wearable technologies. His research combines neural interfacing and advanced modelling to develop next-generation exoskeletons and bionic limbs.
The IC2A Inspirational Lecture will be delivered by Zy Kher Lee, a young athlete and scholar whose personal journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Born with mobility impairments affecting both arms and legs, Zy has become a national swimmer for Thailand and achieved international recognition in para swimming, including medals at the Asian Youth Para Games.
His lecture will share the story behind his motto and book, “No Hands, No Legs, No Excuses,” inspiring audiences worldwide to pursue their goals regardless of limitations. The presentation will be supported by his father Walter Lee, founder of the Zy Movement Foundation, which supports children with mobility impairments and their families.
The Knud Jansen Lecture will be announced in the coming months.
Awards and prizes
At each ISPO World Congress, outstanding achievements in prosthetics, orthotics, assistive technology and rehabilitation are recognised through a series of prestigious awards and prizes. These include the Forchheimer Prize, the Brian and Joyce Blatchford Team Prize for Innovation, the Sepp Heim Award, and the World Congress Best Paper and Poster Prizes.
Call for papers
ISPO invites professionals from around the world to contribute to the scientific and technical programme of the World Congress.
The call for papers is open at www.ispo-congress.com/cfp
• Submission of proposals for symposia and instructional courses as well as technical track presentations is open until 29 June 2026.
• Free paper and poster abstracts can be submitted until 7 September 2026.
All presentations will be held in English, the official language of the congress. ISPO particularly encourages early-career researchers and students to actively participate in the congress programme.
International exhibition
The industry exhibition will showcase the entire spectrum of products and services across the global mobility assistive technology sector. Meet more than 100 companies from around the world, ranging from global leaders to innovative start-ups and NGOs. The programme is complemented by workshops delivered by exhibitors, offering valuable practical insights.
Start-ups will once again present their forward-thinking, sustainable ideas for treatment and rehabilitation. The start-up area will be the innovation hub of the congress.
Bangkok: gateway to Southeast Asia
For the first time, the ISPO World Congress will take place in Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing importance of the region in global rehabilitation and assistive technology development. ISPO Thailand will be the local host.
The congress will be held at IMPACT Forum, part of Thailand’s largest exhibition and convention centre, located within the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani complex in the Bangkok metropolitan area.
Alongside the scientific and technical programme, the congress will offer networking opportunities such as the Welcome Reception, as well as cultural and social activities showcasing Thai hospitality.
About the ISPO World Congress
Held every two years, the ISPO World Congress is the premier global event of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) and a leading platform for international collaboration in rehabilitation and assistive technology.
ISPO is a global, multidisciplinary, non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving quality of life for people who benefit from prosthetic, orthotic and mobility assistive technologies. With more than 3,000 professionals from over 100 countries, the society connects prosthetists, orthotists, surgeons, therapists, engineers and educators working to advance mobility and rehabilitation worldwide.
More impressions, highlights and images:
LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook I X I WhatsApp
See you in Bangkok!
Further information
About ISPO World Congress and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO)
