Helps in rehabilitation… AI-equipped exosuit linked to body muscles

The exosuit, a reinforced robotic exoskeleton, is often used for labor that has to do hard work in terms of posture and physical strength. Yet another demand for this technology is rehabilitation. However, there are not many studies yet, and until now, there are many cases where only simple movements can be performed.

Harvard Wiss Institute (Wyss Unstitute), Harvard University John A Paulson Institute of Technology, University of Nebraska University Omaba campus research team has developed a waist-mounted portable exosuit that supports the wearer in both walking and running by assisting the wearer in both walking and running by helping artificial intelligence operate according to hip muscle movements. Published in the journal Science.

This exosuit has gone through a long period of development based on the Warrior Web program supported by DARPA. It is attached to the waist and thigh to support hip joint movement by interlocking the wearer’s anal muscles, that is, hip muscles.

The weight of the exosuit is about 9.4kg, but since more than 90% of it is mounted near the center of the body, the burden on the wearer and restrictions on movement are minimized. The large movement of the limbs back and forth is also an important factor in running. The research team revealed that a sensor attached to the body has developed a gait classification algorithm that monitors personal acceleration and reliably detects central movement in stages. When gait is detected, the exosuit supports gait by automatically adjusting the timing according to the operating profile.

In the actual experiment, as a result of calculating metabolic oxygen consumption, it is said that the amount of metabolic oxygen consumption decreased by 9.3% for walking and 4% for running compared to the case without assist. In other words, it means that you can walk and run comfortably. In addition, the research team explained that the exosuit showed excellent versatility because it can be used in uphill, running speed, and outdoor experiments.

The research team says the results from this study show that the wearable robotic devices will improve the lives of healthy people and help those in need of injury or rehabilitation. Related information can be found here .