One of the embodiments of the invention is an actuator system for extending and flexing a joint. The actuator system includes a multi-motor assembly for providing a rotational output, a rotary-to-linear mechanism including a screw that accepts the rotational output of the multi-motor assembly and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut, and a moving rail with a latch that functions to translate linear movement of the nut in both the extension and flexion directions into an extension and flexion of the joint. The actuator has been specifically designed for extending and flexing a joint (such as an ankle, a knee, an elbow, or a shoulder) of a human. The actuator system may, however, be used to move any suitable object through any suitable movement (linear, rotational, or otherwise).

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An actuator system for extending and flexing a joint, including a multi-motor assembly for providing a rotational output, a rotary-to-linear mechanism for converting the rotational output from the multi-motor assembly into an extension and flexion of the joint, and a controller for operating the actuator system in several operational modes. The multi-motor assembly preferably combines power from two different sources, such that the multi-motor assembly can supply larger forces at slower speeds (“Low Gear”) and smaller forces at higher speeds (“High Gear”). The actuator has been specifically designed for extending and flexing a joint (such as an ankle, a knee, an elbow, or a shoulder) of a human. The actuator system may, however, be used to move any suitable object through any suitable movement (linear, rotational, or otherwise).

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A lower extremity exoskeleton (100) includes: at least one power unit (201); two leg supports (101, 102) designed to rest on the ground (130); two knee joints (107, 108) configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank (105, 106) and thigh links (103, 104) of the leg supports (101, 102); an exoskeleton trunk (109) rotatably connectable to the leg supports (101, 102); and two hip actuators (145, 146) configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk (109) and the leg supports (101, 102). In use, the hip actuators (145, 146) create a torque to move the leg supports (101, 102) backward relative to the exoskeleton trunk ( 109) during a stance phase, which pushes the exoskeleton trunk (109) forward. A second torque may be used to move the leg supports (101, 102) forward relative to the exoskeleton trunk (109) into a swing phase. Additionally, a swing torque may be generated during the swing phase to move the leg support (101, 102) forward relative to the exoskeleton trunk (109). This results in decreased oxygen consumption and heart rate of a user wearing the exoskeleton (100).

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