Researchers have come up with an idea for an exoskeleton that could help the elderly and injured move.
A research team built a "spring-assisted leg exoskeleton" that could help people go from sitting to standing (and vice versa) with ease, a University of Cincinnati news release reported.
"Not all facilities are protected by accessibility laws, and the use of the wheelchair, though a blessing for the mobility impaired, comes at the cost of secondary complications such as pressure sores, increased risk of Urinary Tract Infections, circulatory problems, etc, which lead to higher health costs. It is therefore our vision at the Human Systems and Simulations Laboratory to leverage our engineering skills to develop the devices that can allow the elderly, and the mobility impaired to live independent, healthy and happy lives," Gaurav Mukherjee, a UC master's student in mechanical engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science told Headlines and Global News in an email.
The team looked at body markers to build a virtual model of the device. They also closely examined muscle activity in hopes of creating an exoskeleton that works in harmony with the wearer's movement as opposed to enforcing a predetermined motion.
"The current prototype is under simulation based testing presently, and preliminary tests show positive results. We are in the process of developing the next version of the system with updated actuation and controls capability, that we aim to utilize in experimental subject testing after receiving the necessary clearances," Mukherjee told HNGN.
Mukherjee said about three million U.S. senior citizens require a nurse's care, he hopes the invention will help to cut down that number.
"Another focus of these devices is to provide astronauts with help to keep them healthy and capable of carrying out multiple missions successfully," Mukherjee told HNGN.
The researchers are working to get the device up and running.
"We are currently working to develop new and innovative control capabilities to allow the machines and the wearers to interact more fluidly. In parallel, work is in progress to develop the next prototype system that addresses some of the lessons that we learnt from our first prototype," Mukherjee said.
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