Exoskeletons are a new class of articulated mechanical systems whose performance is realized while in intimate contact with the human user. The overall performance depends on many factors including selection of architecture, device, parameters and the nature of the coupling to the human, offering numerous challenges to design-evaluation and refinement. In this paper, we discuss merger of techniques from the musculoskeletal analysis and simulation-based design to study and analyze the performance of such exoskeletons. A representative example of a simplified exoskeleton interacting with and assisting the human arm is used to illustrate principal ideas. Overall, four different case-scenarios are developed and examined with quantitative performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and allow for design refinement. The results show that augmentation by way of the exoskeleton can lead to a significant reduction in muscle loading.

(далее…)

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

В США компания Lockheed Martin по контракту с армией получила 1,1 млн. долл. на создание новейших автоматических экзоскелетов и оценку в этом году новой версии экзоскелета HULC, предназначенных для увеличения силы и выносливости солдат, а также снижения рисков получения различных травм.

(далее…)

Категория: HULC | 1 Комментарий »

Ученые из Shibaura Institute of Technology представили очередную разработку Close-Fitting Walking Aid,как альтернативу сегодняшним костылям и инвалидным коляскам. Это не настолько масштабная машина, как, допустим, новозеландский Rex, но все же очень неплохо. По сути, это набор скоб, связанных поршнями и электронными приводами, которые делают ноги сильнее.

(далее…)

Категория: Продвижение | Нет комментариев »

A lower extremity enhancer to be worn by a user to enable the user to carry a load includes two leg supports having a plurality of jointed links. Proximal ends of the leg supports are connected to a back frame adapted to carry the load. Distal ends of the leg supports are connected to two foot links. The leg supports are powered by a plurality of actuators adapted to apply torques to the leg supports in response to movement of the user’s legs.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

A therapy and mobility assistance system used by a patient that includes a leg device worn on the leg of the patient that provides assistance and/or resistance to enhance the mobility of the leg of the patient, a therapy shuttle that facilitates therapeutic extension and flexion of at least one of the joints of the leg of the patient, and an appendage fastener that selectively couples the therapy shuttle and the leg device. The therapy and mobility assistance system may additionally include a guide track that constrains motion of the therapy shuttle along a path.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | 1 Комментарий »