Robotics

Smart body-attachment system for a robotic exoskeleton

Project Principal Investigator(s): Sachit Rao

Collaborative Partner : Bionic Yantra

This project forms one component of an industry partner-led project on developing robotic exoskeletons to aid the physically disabled to walk on their own. The focus of this project is to develop a harnessing system that can be used to attach the robotic exoskeleton. Currently, the exoskeleton is strapped to various parts of the lower limbs, such as the foot, the lower leg, the thigh, as well as the chest. Such a system is extremely cumbersome and requires a considerable amount of time to perform these actions. In addition, since these harnesses are rigid, significant attention needs to be paid for personalization, as a “one size fits all” approach cannot be used.

The outcome of the project is to develop an adaptive and smart harness system which minimizes the time needed for the exoskeleton to be worn, and more importantly, can adapt to different body shapes and sizes, even during walking.