In this research we introduce a wearable sensory system for motion intention estimation and control of exoskeleton robot. The comprises inertial sensors shoe-embedded force sensors. utilizes an instrumented cane as part the interface between user reflects upper limbs, is used in terms human inter-limb synergies. developed provides assisted coherence with other unassisted limbs. together body worn sensors, assistance start, stop continuous walking. We verified function proposed method through...

Here, we present a study on exoskeleton robot control based inter-limb locomotor synergies using method developed to target hemiparesis. The is and kinesiological information from the non-paretic leg walking aid cane generate motion patterns for assisted leg. synergy-based system was tested against an autonomous in five patients with hemiparesis varying abilities. Three of participants were able walk robot. Results these showed improved spatial symmetry ratio more consistent step length...

This paper proposes a novel semiactive ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) called SmartAFO equipped with an elastic link mechanism. The design of the device is based on understanding gait biomechanics for assistance against paralysis and other abnormalities affecting ankle joint function. at core developed AFO 1-degree-of-freedom linear-motion system, capable regulating its viscosity via magnetorheological fluid electromagnetic coil. also integrated compression spring that allows it to store release...

Several methods have been investigated and realized for operation of exoskeleton robots assistance human gait. These systems perform motion intention estimation using the bioelectrical signals muscle activation, body gestures kinesiological information, or a mixed combination in hybrid system. For lower limb(s), information limbs is usually utilized. However, gait not only function limbs, but also coordination between upper adding to balance cognitive functions as well. In this study, we...

We present a personal mobility device for lower-body impaired users through light-weighted exoskeleton on wheels. On its core, novel passive provides postural transition leveraging natural body postures with support to the trunk sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit (STS) transitions by single gas spring as an energy storage unit. propose direction-dependent coupling of knees hip joints double-pulley wire system, transferring from torso motion towards balancing moment load at knee joint actuator....

Even with proper lifting techniques, fatigue can cause many debilitating injuries. Exoskeleton lumbar support devices help prevent these injuries for workers and improve their overall performance. In this article, we present a study on the performance of semiactive lower back exoskeleton. The device is powered by spring–damper mechanism that utilizes magnetorheological fluid to add resistive force hip joint. braking showed range between 100 900 N depending compression stroke, coil current,...

The adoption of prosthetic hands by children with congenital upper limb deficiency from a very early age has benefits in terms reducing prosthesis abandonment, improving body image, and mitigating developmental physiological complications that arise the underuse deficit arm. However, current hand prostheses present drawbacks make them not suitable for young children. This study investigates design requirements below-elbow using user-centered (UCD) approach. UCD puts child at center process,...

<title>Abstract</title> This paper proposes a mixed reality (MR)-based large-scale environment for training combination tactics in basketball. MR enables human players to practice various such as ball passing and <italic>screens </italic>with virtual overlaid the real using see-through head-mounted display (HMD). Positions of were tracked an optical motion capture system transmitted unity-based control system, facilitating quantitative real-time evaluation gameplay. The was conducted through...

Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) causes a passively correctable neck deformation. Currently, there is no wearable orthopedic brace to fulfill the needs of persons suffering from DHS. Related works have made progress in this area by creating mobile braces that provide head support mitigate deformation while permitting mobility, which enhances user-perceived comfort and quality life. Specifically, passive designs show great potential for fully functional devices short term due their inherent...

Herein we present the development of a novel Ankle Foot Orthosis for gait support people with foot-drop symptoms. The developed AFO uses an elastic link mechanism to brake ankle joint during initial contact, thus mitigating foot-slap, and integrated energy store-and-release toe lift in swing phase, toe-drag. This paper presents improvements braking-holding power over its previous version, torque-angle characteristics renewed link, pilot test one person symptoms verify proposed functions AFO.

Wearable robots suffer from issues of usability, cost-performance, and battery life. These drawbacks hinder the development their market implementation in healthcare industry. Back support exoskeletons particular rely heavily on mechanical storing energy but are still mostly using traditional elements actuators to achieve task. The core technology our work, named MRLink, uses a smart fluid combination with compression spring produce unique store-and-release functionality. With only 5 Watts...

We present an investigation on game controller technology to enable para-esports. First, we a review of the related literature information capacity human motor systems in pointing tasks and evaluation gaming controllers as devices. Then propose design criteria for para-esports terms target user, throughput, cognitive load, comfort. Finally, introduce proposed with its rationale functionality. argue that is suitable persons upper limb deficiencies because it enables bimanual control video...

We present a method for fabricating passive finger prostheses with soft fingertips by utilizing 3D scanning and printing flexible filament. The proposed uses filament multi-process at varying infill levels to provide emulate biological fingers. also enables rapid prototyping of prostheses, the flexibility change interphalangeal joint angles fit different manipulation occupational therapy tasks. entire process designing fabricated can be conducted in one day. presented technique scan data...

For an early intervention with children, a prosthetic hand that is affordable, light-weight, and easy to wear use vital. Commercial hands for children are often too expensive, burdensome difficult use. In this research, we attempt address these issues novel design children. The proposed prosthesis implements two important features: the of sound biofeedback soft socket in-liner electrodes. We hypothesize features will make use, lightweight improving control performance increasing acceptance...

In this paper we present an investigation on the clinical applicability of a newly developed control method for wearable lower limbs exoskeleton robots. The is based using body joint synergistic effect, with walking aid cane to estimate and provide assistance affected limb(s). outcome hemiparetic persons our system shows subjects immediately being able walk system. also improvement in some gait aspects such as range motion knee side symmetry ratio regard step length. This exhibits proposed...

In this paper, we developed a wearable kinesthetic I/O system, which is able to share wrist joint stiffness by measuring and intervening in four muscle activities on the forearm simultaneously through same electrodes. This achieves interactive peg rehabilitation sharing among patients therapists. Through performance study, it was shown that 1) applied EMS measured stiffness, 2) produced EMG value has linear correlation, allows designing mapping function between one person another person....

Echocardiography probe manipulation is a strenuous task. During procedure, the operator must hold probe, extend their arm, bend elbow, and monitor resulting image simultaneously, which causes strain introduces variability to measurement. We propose teleoperated robot reduce burden of handling minimize infection risk during COVID pandemic. The proposed utilizes prone position scanning that could enlarge cardiac windows for easier eliminate pressing down on patient. derived robot's...

We present the development and basic evaluation of a new wearable device for estimation ankle joint impedance called Tarsusmeter. The is intended application with persons locomotion disabilities to quantify impedance, especially in cases spasticity where joint's expected differ significantly from healthy persons. lack simple light weight solution provide objective motivates design criteria this be as such. target also variable stiffness actuator based orthosis in-vivo. Thus form factor...

In this study, we propose a method for electric wheelchairs to climb steps using passive add-on mechanism. The mechanism utilizes the rider's postural shift motion and canes enable independent step climbing without need caregiver support. mechanism, auxiliary wheels are affixed behind rear of wheelchair via hinge joint. Step is accomplished by 1) elevating front canes, followed 2) raising onto spring force stored in movement. To optimize link lengths springs developed quasi-static...

This study proposes a modular platform to improve the adoption of gamification in conventional physical rehabilitation programs. The effectiveness is correlated patient’s adherence program. can be diminished due factors such as motivation, feedback, and isolation. Gamification means adding game-like elements traditionally non-game activity. has been shown effective providing more engaging experience improving adherence. made three main parts; central hardware hub, various wired wireless...

This study outlines the development of a platform that enables real-time bio-information sharing between gaming partners regardless game choice. The authors hypothesize since biosignals contain information about person's physiological and psychological state, with easy-to-understand visual representations can augment sense social presence online partners. proposed method uses heart rate as biosignal detected using wrist-worn monitor, uploads these signals to secure database, creates...