Robot suit
Smart exosuit for faster walking and running
An American research team has succeeded in developing a wearable exosuit that supports the wearer both when walking and running. It is intended to be worn inconspicuously under clothing, especially in the military.
Until now, researchers in scientific and industrial laboratories have developed robotic suits, mostly made of metal structures - so-called exoskeletons - that support either walking or running. No mobile wearable device has been able to do both efficiently, according to scientists at the Harvard Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the University of Nebraska Omaha. So far. They have taken on the challenge of integrating the different biomechanical processes of walking and running into an exosuit. It adapts to the wearer's movements as soon as they change gait. Sensors on the thigh and a special algorithm tell the movement machine whether the wearer is walking comfortably or jogging.
According to the researchers' calculations, the wearer of the exosuit can save 9% energy when walking and 4% when running. The exosuit is not a rigid metal construction like previous models, but consists of textile components that are worn on the waist, thighs and shoulders and a mobile drive system that is attached to the lower back. An actuator converts electrical signals into mechanical movements. The battery is attached in front of the abdomen. At 5 kg, the weight of the exosuit is relatively light. It is reminiscent of climbing harnesses and allows the wearer a great deal of freedom of movement. The researchers have the military in mind with their development. Such movement assistants are intended to reduce muscular injuries or overstraining among soldiers on deployment. The researchers' vision is a lightweight robotic suit that can be worn under clothing - similar to a wetsuit.
You might also be interested in
Exoskeletons in industrial use
Ottobock presented its industrial exoskeletons for the first time at the Hannover Messe 2019 - including the "world's smallest exoskeleton" according to the manufacturer. The details.
read more...Robotic exoskeleton for rescue workers
Augsburg-based robotics specialist German Bionic has developed 'Cray +', an exoskeleton model designed for use in disaster areas. It is a further development of the 'Cray X' model used in industry.
read more...Exoskeleton / Augmented Reality
Support in everyday work
The "3rd arm" for tradesmen makes two things possible at once: effective support for the tradesman and computer-generated additional information directly on site.
read more...What exoskeletons can do
They combine human intelligence with machine power by supporting or amplifying the wearer's movements - we are talking about exoskeletons. Initially developed for medical and military purposes, they are now on the cusp of industrial use.
read more...What's behind the 'chairless chair'
An innovative exoskeleton concept from a Swiss start-up company makes it possible: workers can carry out tasks virtually sitting down without needing a chair.
read more...MTCON and Sensor-Technik Wiedemann combine expertise
MTConnectivity power2pcb (MTCON) has a new shareholder: Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW) has held a stake in the power element manufacturer since the end of 2019.
read more...Electromobility / green electricity
Intelligent charging saves fossil fuels
Charging electric cars can overload the electricity grid and lead to fossil fuel power plants having to step in. This is unnecessary and leads to high costs for grid operators. BMW and Tennet want to change this.
read more...Service robotics at Conrad Electronic
Sales robots in use around the clock
To provide its customers with a 24/7 shopping experience in Berlin Schöneberg, Conrad Electronic has now deployed a sales robot. The robot 'Alex' is designed to provide a high-tech shopping experience. It comes from the manufacturer pi4_robotics.
read more...Ridesharing field test in Paris
Renault tests Zoe as a robo-taxi
Renault launches a ridesharing field trial in Paris with two autonomous Zoe robo-taxis. The two prototypes have been specially modified. In addition to the technology for automated driving, they have a modified interior with multimedia and on-board...
read more...