Powered Exoskeleton From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
SSTattler:
1) We will concentrate on the small company, Ekso Bionics, and partly the company involves in medical/stroke Powered Exoskeleton. There are more than a dozen companies does the same or similar things. We will cover as well University of Twente, ReWalk, Harvard University.
2) See "Lokomat Robotic Therapy" comes Apr/27/2013 on SSTattler; it is in Weekly Index as well.
A powered exoskeleton, also known as powered armor, or exoframe, is a powered mobile machine consisting primarily of an exoskeleton-like framework worn by a person and a power supply that supplies at least part of the activation-energy for limb movement.
Powered exoskeletons are designed to assist and protect the wearer. They may be designed, for example, to assist and protect soldiers and construction workers, or to aid the survival of people in other dangerous environments. A wide medical market exists in the future of prosthetics to provide mobility assistance for aged and infirm people. Other possibilities include rescue work, such as in collapsed buildings, in which the device might allow a rescue worker to lift heavy debris, while simultaneously protecting the worker from falling rubble.
Working examples of powered exoskeletons have been constructed but are not currently widely deployed. Various problems remain to be solved, including suitable power supply. However three companies launched exoskeleton suits for people with disabilities in 2010.
A fictional mech is different from a powered exoskeleton in that the mecha is typically much larger than a normal human body, and does not directly enhance the motion or strength of the physical limbs. Instead the human operator occupies a cabin or pilot's control seat inside a small portion of the larger system. Within this cabin the human may wear a small lightweight exoskeleton that serves as a haptic control interface for the much larger exterior appendages.
History
The earliest exoskeleton-like device was a set of walking, jumping and running assisted apparatus developed in 1890 by a Russian named Nicholas Yagin. As a unit, the apparatus used compressed gas bags to store energy that would assist with movements, although it was passive in operation and required human power. In 1917, US inventor Leslie C. Kelley developed what he called a pedomotor, which operated on steam power with artificial ligaments acting in parallel to the wearers movements. With the pedomotor, energy could be generated apart from the user.
The first true exoskeleton in the sense of being a mobile machine integrated with human movements was co-developed by General Electric and the United States military in the 1960s. The suit was named Hardiman, and made lifting 250 pounds (110 kg) feel like lifting 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Powered by hydraulics and electricity, the suit allowed the wearer to amplify their strength by a factor of 25, so that lifting 25 pounds was as easy as lifting one pound without the suit. A feature dubbed force feedback enabled the wearer to feel the forces and objects being manipulated.
While the general idea sounded promising, the actual Hardiman had major limitations. It was impractical due to its 1,500-pound (680 kg) weight. Another issue was the fact it is a slave-master system, where the operator is in a master suit which is in turn inside the slave suit which responds to the master and takes care of the work load. This multiple physical layer type of operation may work fine, but takes longer than a single physical layer. When the goal is physical enhancement, response time matters. Its slow walking speed of 2.5 ft/s further limited practical uses. The project was not successful. Any attempt to use the full exoskeleton resulted in a violent uncontrolled motion, and as a result it was never tested with a human inside. Further research concentrated on one arm. Although it could lift its specified load of 750 pounds (340 kg), it weighed three quarters of a ton, just over twice the liftable load. Without getting all the components to work together the practical uses for the Hardiman project were limited.
Los Alamos Laboratories worked on an exoskeleton project in the 1960s called Project Pitman. In 1986, an exoskeleton prototype called the LIFESUIT was created by Monty Reed, a US Army Ranger who had broken his back in a parachute accident. While recovering in the hospital, he read Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers and from Heinlein's description of Mobile Infantry Power Suits, he designed the LIFESUIT, and wrote letters to the military about his plans for the LIFESUIT. In 2001 LIFESUIT One (LSI) was built. In 2003 LS6 was able to record and play back a human gait. In 2005 LS12 was worn in a foot race known as the Saint Patrick's' Day Dash in Seattle, Washington. Monty Reed and LIFESUIT XII set the Land Speed Distance Record for walking in robot suits. LS12 completed the 3-mile race in 90 minutes. The current LIFESUIT prototype 14 can walk one mile on a full charge and lift 92 kg (200 lb) for the wearer.
In January 2007, Newsweek magazine reported that the Pentagon had granted development funds to The University of Texas at Dallas' nanotechnologist Ray Baughman to develop military-grade artificial electroactive polymers. These electrically-contractive fibers are intended to increase the strength-to-weight ratio of movement systems in military powered armor.
Applications
One of the proposed main uses for an exoskeleton would be enabling a soldier to carry heavy objects (80–300 kg) while running or climbing stairs. Not only could a soldier potentially carry more weight, he could presumably wield heavier armor and weapons. Most models use a hydraulic system controlled by an on-board computer. They could be powered by an internal combustion engine, batteries or potentially fuel cells. Another area of application could be medical care, nursing in particular. Faced with the impending shortage of medical professionals and the increasing number of people in elderly care, several teams of Japanese engineers have developed exoskeletons designed to help nurses lift and carry patients.
Exoskeletons could also be applied in the area of rehabilitation of stroke or Spinal cord injury patients. Such exoskeletons are sometimes also called Step Rehabilitation Robots. An exo-skeleton could reduce the number of therapists needed by allowing even the most impaired patient to be trained by one therapist, whereas several are currently needed. Also training could be more uniform, easier to analyze retrospectively and can be specifically customized for each patient. At this time there are several projects designing training aids for rehabilitation centers (LOPES exoskeleton, Lokomat, ALTACRO and the gait trainer, Hal 5.)
Exoskeletons could also be regarded as wearable robots: A wearable robot is a mechatronic system that is designed around the shape and function of the human body, with segments and joints corresponding to those of the person it is externally coupled with. Teleoperation and power amplification were said to be the first applications, but after recent technological advances the range of application fields is said to have widened. Increasing recognition from the scientific community means that this technology is now employed in telemanipulation, man-amplification, neuromotor control research and rehabilitation, and to assist with impaired human motor control (Wearable Robots: Biomechatronic Exoskeletons).
Current Exoskeletons
- Sarcos/Raytheon XOS Exoskeleton arms/legs. For use in the military and to "replace the wheelchair," weighs 68 kg (150 lb) and allows the wearer to lift 90 kg (200 lb) with little or no effort. Recently, the XOS 2 was unveiled, which featured more fluid movement, increase in power output and decrease in power input.
- Ekso Bionics/Lockheed Martin HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) legs, the primary competitor to Sarcos/Raytheon. Weighs 24 kg (53 lb) and allows the user to carry up to 91 kg (200 lb) on a backpack attached to the exoskeleton independent of the user.
- Cyberdyne's HAL 5 arms/legs. Allows the wearer to lift 10 times as much as they normally could.
- Honda Exoskeleton Legs. Weighs 6.5 kg (14 lb) and features a seat for the wearer.
- M.I.T. Media Lab's Biomechatronics Group legs. Weighs 11.7 kg (26 lb).
- Rex Bionics' Rex, Robotic Exoskeleton Legs. Weighs 38 kg (84 lb). Enables wheelchair users to stand up, walk, move sideways, turn around, go up and down steps as well as walk on flat hard surfaces including ramps and slopes. It is the only exoskeleton to be sold for personal use instead of renting like HAL exoskeleton or testing. It costs 150,000 NZD (based in New Zealand) and international sales started 2011; the price is expected to drop once demand increases. The FDA has yet to approve it for sale in the US as a personal device, though it is available to rehabilitation centres.
- Activelink Co Ltd's PowerLoader Robot. Currently with its PLL (PowerLoader Light) version. Uses Mechanical Feedback and Force Sensors to power the user's legs motion.
- Argo Medical Technologies ReWalk The ReWalk has two versions, ReWalk "I" for institutions to use for research or for ReWalking therapy. It is designed for use under the supervision of a healthcare professional, like a physical therapist. Many health benefits have been reported for paraplegics who stand erect, and in robotic devices that mechanically move their legs. These benefits and more are expected when a patient is ReWalking. The other version is the ReWalk "P" personal unit. The ReWalk P is intended for personal use by patients at home or in the community. The ReWalk I is now available for sale to rehab centers in Europe and USA. It is listed with the FDA. The ReWalk P has been submitted to the FDA, and clearance is pending. The ReWalk P is CE marked, and became available in Europe in 2012. The ReWalk P will not be available for sale in the US until it is cleared by the FDA.
See the full article Powered Exoskeleton From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Bionic Suits Aid Paraplegics
SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
By Sean Patrick Farrell and Emily B. Hager
A new generation of bionic suits, or wearable robots, are being designed for the disabled as well as for industrial and military purposes.
© 2013 The New York Times Company
Eythor Bender Demos Human Exoskeletons
Uploaded on Mar 24, 2011
Eythor Bender of Berkeley Bionics brings onstage two amazing exoskeletons, HULC and eLEGS -- robotic add-ons that could one day allow a human to carry 200 pounds without tiring, or allow a wheelchair user to stand and walk. It's a powerful onstage demo, with implications for human potential of all kinds.
hodgman - "Seriously, everyone: a soldier just walked onto the #TED stage wearing a functional exoskeleton."
Ball - Yes, I love how that woman who "hasn't walked for 19 years" moved her leg of her own accord before even being in that exoskeleton. Very believable.
Patti Pender - Seriously, LOOK at her upper body definition and the muscle wasting in her lower body. She quite OBVIOUSLY has no motor or sensory control below the waist. And listen to the girly giggles! She has also quite obviously not walked in years and she's positively giddy about it.
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Eythor Bender at TEDMED 2011
Uploaded on Nov 28, 2011
Eythor Bender's Ekso Bionics makes powered, wearable robots known as "exoskeletons" that boost human strength, endurance, and mobility. But can they help a paraplegic walk? Watch this incredible story.
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Eythor Bender - Q & A at TEDMED 2011
Uploaded on Nov 28, 2011
The CEO of Ekso Bionics, and a paralyzed man he helped, take questions about human exoskeletons - "wearable robots" - how they help paraplegics walk, and what lies ahead.
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TEDxSF - Berkeley Bionics
-- Merging Technology and the Human Body
Uploaded on Jun 11, 2011
More than anything else, Eythor Bender is a team builder. You want to be on his team. And that's good news for bionics, a nascent industry that Eythor has championed and grown, taking bionic prosthetics from unconventional approaches to sustainable, approved products that merge man and machine, and enhance individuals' participation in their community. Today and as CEO of Berkeley Bionics -- developer and maker of wearable robots - Eythor is leading his company's charge to boost everyone's potential through personal bionics.
This year, Berkeley Bionics is introducing two new exoskeletons to the market that augment mobility, strength and endurance: eLEGS powers wheelchair users up to get them standing and walking again; and HULCTM (Human Universal Load Carrier) enables users to carry up to 200 lbs. for hours and over all terrains, while reducing the likelihood of back-injuries.
Eythor is a native of Iceland, with a Masters in Business and Economics from Germany, where he began his career with Hewlett Packard in medical diagnostics and computer imaging. He went on to join Nordic-European Ossur, which pioneered the field of commercial bionics. Eythor led Ossur's Americas division, taking it from a start-up to a world leader in the field of wearable, non-invasive technologies designed for amputees, injury prevention, rehabilitation and pain relief. He lives in San Francisco and most recently spoke at TED2011 in Long Beach, California.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
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Tedxdu Eythor Bender and Amanda Boxtel
-- Merging Technology and the Human Body
Uploaded on May 26, 2011
In a TED-like "all knowledge is connected" moment, TEDxDU speaker and Paralympic hopeful Lacey Jai Henderson introduces Eythor Bender, who was head of the company that developed the Cheetah foot, the gold standard in athletic prosthetics. Eythor's latest advancement is enabling wheelchair-bound people to walk again. Amanda Boxtel demonstrates Eythor's eLEGS technology and walks on stage to share her story.
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TEDxSanAntonio - Eythor Bender
-- eLEGS Merging Technology & the Human Body
Uploaded on Dec 27, 2010
Speaker: Eythor Bender
Title of talk:
eLEGS: Merging Technology and the Human Body
About this talk: Blonde and athletic, Amanda Boxtel will tell you that she — like many other mobility-impaired people — never was meant to be sitting in a wheelchair after a skiing accident left her paralyzed 18 years ago. And so it was with childlike glee that Boxtel squealed: "I'm doing it!" as she walked across the stage of TEDxSanAntonio using eLEGS, an artificial exoskeleton designed for parapalegics by Berkeley Bionics.
About Eythor Bender: With extensive global experience in leading medical device, life science and bionic device companies — from concept to commercialization — Berkeley Bionic's new CEO has a personal passion for technologies that augment mobility. Prior to joining Berkeley Bionics, Eythor was the CEO of Rex Bionics and, before that, spent 13 years in executive management with Ossur, a global leader in the development, manufacturing and distribution of non-invasive orthopedic products: For more information on Bender: HYPERLINK "
http://berkeleybionics.com".
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Berkeley Bionics Human Exoskeleton
Uploaded on Mar 24, 2008
Berkeley Bionics™, designs and manufactures lower extremity exoskeletons to augment human strength and endurance during locomotion. Berkeley Bionics exoskeletons increase wearer's strength while decreasing their metabolic cost of walking. The company is also attacking the technological barriers to a practical, affordable exoskeleton for civilian and medical applications, particularly to assist patients with neurological or muscular mobility disorders. These powered human exoskeletons would allow their wearers to walk upright without the strain and muscular effort required by today's unpowered orthotic devices.
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The 1,000,000 Step Milestone
Published on Dec 21, 2012
With the holidays upon us and a new year on the horizon, it seems fitting to reflect on the achievement of another significant milestone for Ekso Bionics and the individuals our technology serves. To date, over one million steps have been taken that would not have been possible without Ekso.
When the Ekso team began developing this technology seven years ago, our vision was that one day robotic exoskeletons would be a viable and accessible option for the millions of wheelchair users who wanted the option to stand up and walk. Thanks to the dedication and passion of our employees, our Ekso Center partners, and the individuals who have imparted their trust in us, yesterday's vision is becoming today's reality.
But we aren't done yet. In fact, with so much opportunity before us, it feels like we're just getting started. My goal is that in 2022 -- ten years from our first shipment -- we'll be celebrating one million individuals having walked in Ekso.
Here's to the dawning of a new year and the achievement of many more milestones to come.
Happy holidays,
Nathan Harding, Co-Founder and CEO
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2012 Ekso Project
Uploaded on Feb 21, 2012
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Exoskeleton Test Pilot Amar
Published on Mar 23, 2012
I could never imagine I would be in this shape. A lot of people think at 78 you're past your prime, that you can't do anything. I realized that age is just a number. What you feel inside is your real age."
Amar's attitude is all the more inspiring considering he was paralyzed after falling 20 feet off a tee box while at a golf course. Despite the setback, Amar is confident that the Ekso technology already getting him back on his feet will also get him back on the links soon. Watch his story here.
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eLEGS at Valley Medical Center
Uploaded on May 6, 2011
Rip Empson visits Valley Medical Center, where spinal cord injury patients are testing eLEGS.
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Robot Legs Help Stroke Survivors to Walk Again
Petra Hes was just 17 when she suffered a stroke. Now scientists at the University of Twente in the Netherlands are helping her walk again with the help of LOPES - the Lower Extremity Powered ExoSkeleton.
Petra Hes, stroke survivor saying: "I feel my knee is lifting, machine is lifting my knee and that's quite different then my usual walk, cause my knee is very stiff and my steps are not too high then, so I am walking very asymmetric and first time I walked into the LOPES, it was, we call it "A-Ha" moment - so that is how it feels when you walk normal again! I can't remember it,"
Hes told Reuters strapped to the robot. The robot is designed to help train the body and mind to remember how to walk again after a stroke or a spinal injury, says Edwin Van Asseldonk.
Edwin Van Asseldonk, University of Twente saying: "It's designed to aide physical therapist in providing task-specific and intensive training to neurological patients and those neurological patients can be stroke survivors, spinal injury subjects, maybe even people with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson disease."
LOPES can be adjusted depending on how much help a patient needs - and correct what they are doing wrong.
Edwin Van Asseldonk, University of Twente saying: "For walking it's also very important that you maintain your balance while walking and in maintaining balance pretty much what you need is to place your foot on appropriate spot to prevent falling over and by making that movement possible in this device it is also possible to train that balance control while you are walking."
In future researchers hope to use data from LOPES to develop a wearable exoskeleton which could help wheelchair users to walk again. Stuart McDill, Reuters.
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Exciting Robotic Technology
Uploaded on Aug 29, 2008
CHAN: For paralyzed people not being able to move around on their own is a difficult fact of life. But now one Israeli scientist is helping to change that with a new and exciting piece of robotic technology. Here's a closer look.
STORY: Paralyzed for the past twenty years ex-paratrooper Radi Kaiof enjoys a new sensation - walking.
[Radi Kaiof, Former Paratrooper]: "For me standing up and walking - I never even dreamt about it. I've been wounded for 20 years and I never dreamed I'd be able to walk."
Radi's dream has become a reality thanks to ReWalk, a remote-controlled suit developed by Argo Medical Technologies. Working somewhat like the exoskeleton of a crustacean, the system consists of motorized leg supports and body sensors. A computerized control box is carried in a backpack while crutches help with balance.
But for Dr. Amit Goffer who invented the device, the greatest benefit to the user is the psychological impact.
[Dr. Amit Goffer, 'ReWalk' Inventor]: "We shift the person, the moment the person is being shifted from a wheel chair user status to crutch user status it's... it's a whole world, it's a real revolution actually."
But joining the revolution isn't cheap. It's estimated the product will sell for around 20,000 U.S. dollars.
While expensive, it's a life-changing aid, allowing those who would otherwise be confined to wheelchairs a freedom to movement similar to able bodied people.
ReWalk is now in clinical trials and slated for commercial release in 2010.
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Robot Legs to Help Factory Workers
Uploaded on Nov 10, 2008
Take a look at this... bionic legs are made for walking.
Japan's second largest car maker thinks they can help their workers on the factory floor.
The walking assist device is what Honda is calling its experimental robot legs.
They are expected to help people who work standing or in a crouching position for a long periods of time.
[Jun Ashihara, Researcher]:
"We're thinking more of using this device in the industrial field. There's demand from the factory floors to make it less tiring for workers that work standing up or crouching all day."
The gadget helps by redistributing body weight and lightening the burden on workers legs.
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