RESEARCH
Assistive and Rehabilitation
Robotics Lab
RESEARCH
Assistive and Rehabilitation
Robotics Lab
Passive Assistive Devices
We are developing wearable devices that provide support based on passive elements (e.g., springs, rubber bands) to provide lightweight, energy-efficient, and controllable means of assistive force to the human body. We are working on both exoskeleton (based on rigid frames) and exosuit type devices. These devices are designed to augment the wearer's physical capabilities (e.g., reduced muscle fatigue, the reduced energy cost of bipedal locomotion, increased sports capabilities) while using low to no external energy.
The passive hip exosuit applies a flexion moment to the hip according to the hip extension within a specific range of motion to assist running. The suit is designed so that stretching the bands reduces negative work that was original of human burden. The stored energy is later used to help with the re-acceleration of the thigh. Test on human subjects showed that wearing the device can reduce the metabolic cost of running by more than 4.7%, compared to running without it. The device has a low weight of about 0.6 kg and a small extrusion of 2.5cm from the body in standing posture. The proposed device can potentially be used every day owing to its low-profile design and low weight, thereby overcoming the limitations of most existing portable devices.
To overcome the limitations of fixed elasticity in traditional passive wearable robots, we developed a semi-passive system called the variable elastic band, capable of automatically adjusting various elasticities.
This system combines the advantages of passive systems, such as lightweight design, comfortable wear, and long usage time, with the ability to provide diverse assistive profiles like active systems.
Additionally, it offers the potential to optimize passive wearable robot efficiency by tailoring elasticity to individual body characteristics and movements.
We are searching for ways to enhance sports capabilities with passive wearable devices. For example, the golf exosuit is an innovative wearable device designed to enhance swing performance by applying targeted resistance during training. Engineered with a sophisticated elastic exoband system, the exosuit introduces resistance during the backswing and releases the stored energy during the downswing. This dynamic mechanism trains muscles to generate more power and refine movement efficiency, potentially boosting club head speed and overall swing performance. While primarily a training tool, the design ensures natural movement, allowing the golf swing to be practiced without altering mechanics.
There are various working situations in the industrial field, and different torque profiles are needed on the worker's shoulder for each type of motion. Therefore, we are developing a versatile passive exoskeleton using a variable gravity compensation mechanism to provide controllable assistive force to the human body. Compared to a traditional passive exoskeleton, these systems can help the wearer more efficiently by adjusting the optimal assistive power to fit the working condition (e.g., the weight of payload) controlled by a wireless glove. Furthermore, the kinematic configuration of the exoskeleton's harness is optimally designed considering human motion trajectories that occur in the industrial fields.