An exoskeleton emulator to accelerate fundamental research on human-robot interaction and its application to improve walking abilities in aging and neurological populations

Orthoses are well-established in the treatment of gait disorders. Wearable robotic devices or exoskeletons are more recent and their appearance has created large expectations with respect to improved mobility. Yet designing exoskeletons that improve walking ability has been hindered by our limited insight in human-robot interactions. Our consortium shares the goal of improving human movement through such wearable robotic devices. However, previous and ongoing research projects have been hampered by the slow process of hardware prototyping. To mitigate this problem, we apply for an exoskeleton emulator, a system that mimics the assistance provided by wearable robotic devices without the need for prototyping. Such a system will accelerate research in motor control of walking and its implications for the design of effective exoskeletons.

Keywords:wearable robotics, control systems, biomechanics, motor control, rehabilitation

Disciplines:Control systems, robotics and automation not elsewhere classified, Human-centred and life-like robotics, Rehabilitation engineering, Biomechanics, Motor control, Rehabilitation