Soft Exoskeleton Helps Trigger Muscle Memory

Jan-24-14 A new, soft exoskeleton that mimics the movement of the body’s own muscles could aid in rehabilitation by prompting the development of muscle memory.

The device, created in collaboration between several universities and the wearable sensors developer BioSensics, is equipped with pneumatic artificial muscles, lightweight sensors and advanced control software. Made of soft plastics and composite materials, the prototype orthotic device is meant to be worn on the lower leg and is equipped with hyperelastic strain sensors made of a rubber sheet embedded with microchannels containing a metal alloy. When the channels are compressed or stretched, the electric resistance of the liquid metal is changed, and that change can be noted by the software to allow it to register the position of the ankle and the amount of strain on it.

In tests, the prototype was able to mimic the structure of the lower leg and generate an ankle range that allowed for a normal walking gait.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY]

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