Authors:
Stefan Roland Taal
and
Yoshiyuki Sankai
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Japan
Keyword(s):
Robot suit, HAL, Exoskeleton, Augmentation, Practical design, Exo-spine, Nurses, Lifting assist.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Biomechanical Devices
;
Biomedical Engineering
;
Biomedical Instruments and Devices
;
Technologies Evaluation
Abstract:
The development of full body, wearable exoskeletons has been limited by the constraints of weight and available power. Because of this it has not been possible to create one that augments all DoF of its human wearer with enough power to assist, e.g., nurses and other workers. To achieve more usefulness despite the limitations, a practical design approach that considers the motions and needs of the wearer is an appropriate tool to reveal new opportunities. This approach was used to find solutions for a fully supported 3DoF exo-spine, supported shoulder girdle motion, and other challenges that have so far received little or no attention. No extra actuators are required, thus adding a minimum to weight and power. The improvements found using this practical approach suggest related fields like rehabilitation could profit as well.