Workers who carry out physically demanding operations such as lifting heavy boxes can be supported in doing so by an exoskeleton. However, these skeletons have many rigid parts and are equipped with motors and batteries. In time, exoskeletons will therefore be further developed into flexible suits with lightweight parts and smart controls, expects the University of Twente (UT). To test these suits safely, UT is setting up the Wearable Robotics Lab.
The term 'wearable robots' includes exoskeletons, as well as other robotic applications that can be worn by humans. Wearable robots can be used for a variety of applications. For instance, the robots can help rehabilitate people and be used to train people to move on their own again after an accident. The robots can also be used to support workers in performing strenuous activities, with the aim of preventing injuries and related absenteeism. A wearable robot can additionally be used to translate a human's movements into movements of, for example, a robotic arm.
Exoskeletons
A well-known example of wearable robots are exoskeletons, suits that are worn on the outside of the body and function as a kind of external skeleton. This skeleton can reduce strain on the user while performing certain actions. Various exoskeletons have been available and under development for some time. A well-known example is an exoskeleton being developed by TU Delft's student team Project MARCH. This exoskeleton gives patients with spinal cord injury back their mobility and helps them carry out daily activities. Another example is the Delft-based company Laevo, which launched the Laevo V2.5 in April 2017. This is the world's first self-assembly exoskeleton that supports workers in the manufacturing industry, among others, to carry out strenuous tasks. The Laevo V2.5 is used by PON Logistics, Geodis Logistics, John Deere, ENGIE Cofely, Daher and WTH, among others.
However, Herman van der Kooij, professor of Biomechatronics and Rehabilitation at UT, points out that exoskeletons have many rigid parts and are equipped with both motors and batteries. This while, according to Van der Kooij, the problem that exoskeletons solve is not in the skeleton, but in the muscles and nerves. The professor therefore wants to further develop exoskeletons into robots that you can put on like a suit, have lightweight parts and can be used without aids such as crutches.
Real-time control
The flexible suits are fitted with compact actuators that work in a different way from conventional robots. The suits should be able to be controlled in real time by users, with UT researchers looking to use individual muscle models and EMG measurements of users. The researchers are currently working on a lightweight knee orthosis, an externally worn device to support the knee. Once development of this orthosis is complete, the researchers plan to plunge into developing modules for the ankle and hip.
Since the 'robot suits' are worn by humans, when testing such devices, the safety of test subjects is a major concern. The Wearable Robotics Lab is an environment where such developments are safely developed. The lab was developed by UT in collaboration with rehabilitation specialists from the Enschede-based company Roessingh Research and Development (RRD). The facility is part of the new Joint Innovation Centre for Interaction Robotics I-Botics, set up by the UT in cooperation with TNO and located on the UT campus.
Cybathlons
The lab will also be home to a team from UT, RRD and TU Delft participating in the CYBATHLON, a championship organised by ETH Zurich. In the CYBATHLON, people with disabilities perform a series of challenges, supported by technology such as exoskeletons and the flexible suits UT is working on. More information about this competition can be found here.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: University of Twente
Source: Project MARCH
Source: Laevo
Source: ETH Zurich
Source photo: Pixabay / www_slon_pics
