Assistive exoskeleton suitable for elderly persons
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Högskolan i Gävle - Akademin för Teknik och Miljö |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 959 693 |
| Project duration | October 2014 - March 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
1.A lightweight, adaptable and user-friendly LB-AXO system development providing assistance to its elderly users according to their aspirations. 2.An enhanced human intention based control system developed and tested. 3.A prototype LB-AXO exoskeleton system developed able to provide up to 50% assistance to users and was tested on young researchers and elderly users to demonstrate physical assistance in key daily life motions. 4.Commercialization in knee-rehabilitation, medical and non-medical consumer markets explored.
Expected results and effects
AXO-SUIT has improved the technology of LB exoskeleton as compared to previous version EXO-LEGS. The weight and size of the system is considerably reduced. Human intention based control system showed promising advancements. Close collaborations with hospitals and elderly end-users helped to understand and incorporate the real needs of the medical and non-medical users. The advance work in the LB technology can focus towards product development for needy users as the technology development at lab level is tested for different end-users.
Planned approach and implementation
A new lightweight, adaptable modular design approach realized improved LB system. The robust control method allows the wearer to be supported in a symbolic manner by automatically providing the top-up power needed to perform the desired motions. The adaptability and robust controllability needs are crucial for easy and swift customization of LB system as a market product. Design improvements and test outcomes successfully exhibited potential of development of an adaptable product for elderly, commercial and rehabilitation end-users.