R&D INSIGHT LEAD STORY
The AXO-SUIT project is aiming to develop an exoskeleton for older adults to help them lead active and independent lives for longer. Funded by the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Programme, the suits could be commercially available within five years
longer. “Many older people are mentally fit and want to continue to be active, but their physical abilities are steadily deteriorating,” explains Shaoping Bai of Aalborg University. “This is an attempt to complement the strengths of older people so they can continue to be mobile and live independently for a longer time.” An exoskeleton is a kind of lightweight
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robot skeleton with small electric motors that can be mounted on the body. This gives the body support while the motors provide extra strength to perform different types of movements. Using a variety of advanced sensors the
exoskeleton detects things like whether the user wants to lift their arm or stretch their elbow, and then activates small motors that function somewhat like power steering in a car, making the movements easier. The
exoskeletons that the Aalborg University researchers are working on,
n international team of researchers
and companies
are working to develop an exoskeleton for older adults so they can remain active for
“This is an attempt to complement the strengths of older people so they can
continue to be mobile and live independently for a longer time”
however, are not meant for people who are paralysed or otherwise disabled. The target group is primarily active older adults who want to continue their active lifestyles, for example being able to garden, go out for walks and live independently in their homes. The research team is taking great care
in involving users in the development of the new technology. “It’s important that users don’t feel that the exoskeleton is stronger than they are – in the sense that
it can disempower someone,” says Shaoping Bai.
“There is also a social
challenge in terms of whether or not our potential end users will accept the technology. That’s why we call it a tool instead of a robot, because even using the word robot can keep some people from trying it.” The research team is aware of the fact
that the exoskeleton should not give users too much strength. In principle, a motorised robotic exoskeleton gives whoever is wearing it the opportunity for almost superhuman strength. But too much strength makes the user feel uncomfortable, says Shaoping Bai. So the performance of the electric motor is intentionally limited. “It is absolutely essential that the user feels like they are controlling the robot and not the other way around,” he says. In five years, commercially available
models of the exoskeleton should be on the market according to Shaoping Bai. “We don’t expect that this is something you’ll see everywhere in five years, but it will be accessible on the market for ordinary consumers.”
Insight Publishers | Projects
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