Human-Centered Exoskeleton: Upper Extremity Strength Augmentation in Occupational Settings - 17297

Conference · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2017

OSTI ID:22802332

Peterson, Donald R.; Kudernatsch, Simon ^[1]; Asaki, Takafumi ^[1]

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1. Texas A and M University - Texarkana, Texarkana, TX (United States)

Robotic exoskeletons have a wide variety of applications ranging from rehabilitation to military combat to strength- and performance-augmentation in occupational settings. Currently, the high-cost, complexity, and bio-mechanical limitations prevent these devices from introduction into specialized applications where low-cost and practicality are essential. Here, an initial prototype of Robotic Exoskeleton for Upper Extremity Strength Augmentation is introduced. Expanding upon previous three generations of robotic arms for muscle retraining, the new generation emphasizes high fidelity, low-cost, and practical strength-augmentation with focus on enhancing performance by muscle fatigue reduction and injury prevention. Simplified set up and configurability of the system make it suitable for highly dynamic environments, where time and safety are vital. This prototype demonstrates the feasibility of low-cost and practical exoskeletons; however, further improvements and investigations are necessary to improve and validate its function. (authors)

• Research Organization: WM Symposia, Inc., PO Box 27646, 85285-7646 Tempe, AZ (United States)
• OSTI ID: 22802332
• Report Number(s): INIS-US--19-WM-17297
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COST
EXOSKELETON
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
ROBOTS