Human-Exoskeleton Interaction

Walking is a very efficient way of getting around and covering large distances. Due to impairments or in extreme conditions, such as carrying a heavy load, one might encounter difficulties while walking. In many cases, wheeled vehicles offer a solution. However, wheeled vehicles are often not suitable for indoor environments or heavy outdoor...

Control strategies for active lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics: A review

Technological advancements have led to the development of numerous wearable robotic devices for the physical assistance and restoration of human locomotion. While many challenges remain with respect to the mechanical design of such devices, it is at least equally challenging and important to develop strategies to control them in concert with the...

Design of an ultra-compact elbow-joint for an eating assistive device: Meeting the growing demands of people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophin

Ultra-compact is a valuable property in designs of assistive devices for people with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy. Reducing the size of these medical devices will increase the cosmetic appearance. Current devices are large and stigmatizing in the eyes of the users. In other words, the users want a device to be small enough to be worn underneath the...

Oscillator-based walking assistance

A human with muscle weakness can wear a rehabilitation device, e.g. exoskeleton, to receive support during walking. How can this support be adjusted in real-time to the intention of the user? The given support should be intuitive, user-specific, compliant and robust to sensor noise. We suggest the use of an adaptive oscillator, which can detect...

The mechanical design of a passively adapting exoskeleton for the lower arm

Lifting patients is a demanding task for care providers. In addition, the number of patients is rising and the number of people with obesity is expanding. Current lifting aids are single purpose and time consuming to use. Exoskeletons can fulfill the demand for a versatile and easy to use lifting aid. A drawback of a typical exoskeleton is that...