Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Information
Exoskeletons and wearable robotics are powered or passive bionic devices that provide operators with tool holding and lift assistance. Applications for exoskeletons and wearable robotics include manufacturing, construction and assembly. They are also known as exosuits or human augmentation systems (HASs). Operation
The primary function of exoskeletons and wearable robotics is to improve ergonomics, reduce fatigue, decrease injuries and increase productivity. These devices rely on motors, levers, pneumatics, hydraulics, elastomers, shape memory or smart materials, and springs or dampers to complete lifting and support. Active exoskeletons can lift and support larger, heavier objects, but also require a power source to operate. Passive exoskeletons do not require a power source to lift or support, yet passive exoskeletons require the user to be capable of supporting the device.
Types
There are multiples types of exoskeletons and wearable robotics, including
- Active: Active exoskeletons, or powered exoskeletons or wearable robots, are robots that assist by motors, levers, pneumatics or hydraulics.
- Passive: Passive human augmentation systems are exosuits that do not have powered actuators. Passive devices provide assistance through elastomers, shape memory or smart materials, and springs or dampers, which store energy harvested by human motion and then expend the harvested energy to support a posture or a motion as needed. Clever passive exoskeleton design can employ a lever mechanism to achieve multiple human force capabilities.
Configurations
Exoskeletons and wearable robotics are commonly used to assist different regions of a person. Those areas include the arm, back, full body, hands, hip, leg, lumbar or trunk. Exoskeletons and wearable robotics are generally hard or soft framed. The most prominent components of exoskeletons and wearable robotics is the lifting or support mechanism that determines the area it is supporting and the amount of lift it is capable of producing.
Specifications
The following specifications determine the functionality of exoskeletons and wearable robotics:
- Lifting/Assistance Force: The lifting force the robot is capable of providing to the individual wearing the robot.
- Robot Weight: The weight of the robot.
- Actuation: The robot can be actuated by electric, hydraulic, jet, pneumatic or spring.
Features
These features provide additional utility or ease-of-use.
- AC Power/Tethered: The robot is powered by AC voltage and tethered by a power cord.
- Battery Powered: The robot is powered by a battery.
- Fuel Cell: The robot is powered by a fuel cell.
