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March 7, 2024, at the Thailand Science Park. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) through the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), in collaboration with the National Research Institute of Health (HSRI), the National Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (TSRI), and Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited, have unveiled the "Rachel" innovation suite. The launch featured expert speakers from various fields exchanging ideas to provide sustainable societal innovation insights.

The "Rachel" bodysuit, designed for the elderly, has been developed, researched, and designed to cater to seniors who are still able to care for themselves. It can be worn all day, allowing for freedom of movement and reducing the risk of injury from daily activities. The suit is reinforced with specially designed fabric materials and stitching techniques to allow for natural muscle movement. It serves as an aid for the elderly in performing daily tasks such as standing up, lifting objects, climbing stairs, and doing household chores. The research team has developed and tested the innovation for efficiency and readiness for use.

To emphasize our leadership in developing lingerie products for consumers of all ages and to highlight the importance of monitoring continuous changes in population structure, we have collaborated to develop a bodysuit product for the elderly that can benefit a wide range of the Thai population. Leveraging the expertise, knowledge, and experience in materials and stitching techniques from Thai Wacoal Public Company Limited, combined with the research and development expertise in wearable technologies from the NSTDA, MTEC research team, and the expertise in pattern-making and stitching from the Industrial Pattern Development and Clothing Design Institute, the Rachel bodysuit boasts mechanical properties suitable for movement, lightweight design, excellent sweat absorption, and can be worn comfortably throughout the day, every day, for both indoor and outdoor activities.

The National Research Institute of Health (HSRI) provides research funding support to MTEC, NSTDA, to carry out a project aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of wearable suits to support muscles and reduce the risk of injury for the elderly. This initiative aims to drive medical and public health innovations that can be practically implemented, improving the quality of life for the elderly and reducing fatalities from accidents or injuries caused by various movements. HSRI plans to expand the research into the healthcare system, with the expectation that it will eventually benefit Gold Card patients, contributing to wider healthcare benefits in the future.

Benefits Received
       1. Economic Aspect: Increase in sales of health products by 10%, amounting to 3.7  million bath 
          (based on as estimate from the first order lot of 1,000 sets).
       2. Social Aspect: Promote the health of the elderly, reducing injuries from
           movement and accidents.
       3. Environmental Aspect: Promote products that are safe from toxins,
          environmentally friendly, and Green label products.
 

Reference : https://www.thecoverage.info/news/content/6364