Articles tagged with Exoskeletons
A Rutgers study reveals that most primates can digest insect exoskeletons due to the presence of a stomach enzyme called CHIA. Insects have been an essential food source for early primate ancestors, and their nutritional value is comparable to other protein sources.
A novel hand-exoskeleton has been developed to help physically impaired individuals, and researchers have found that brainwave control can be improved with feedback. The device uses EEG headsets to measure brainwaves and provide motor control through a combination of user-driven brain-machine interface and proprioception-based feedback.
Researchers developed a personalized exoskeleton system that reduces energy expenditure during walking by 24%, on average. The system subtly changes its pattern of assistance based on individual energy expenditure patterns, leading to further reductions in energy expenditure with repeated use.
Researchers found that the golden appearance is due to high reflectiveness of the exoskeleton and manipulation of polarisation. The nano-structured exoskeleton contains intricate structures that produce circularly-polarised light, explaining the bright reflection and golden colour.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a hybrid exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with powered exoskeletons. The system will utilize wearable ultrasound sensors to measure muscle fatigue, allowing for real-time sensing and prediction of muscle function.
Researchers have revealed the nanoscale architecture of a beetle's exoskeleton, composed of chitin fibers with unique twisting patterns. The discovery could lead to the development of lighter, stronger materials for various applications, including reducing drag in vehicles and airplanes.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University studied the exoskeleton of the Cotinis mutabilis beetle using nanomechanics. They discovered unique fibers with higher density along the length than transverse, leading to improved mechanical properties and inspiring new artificial materials.
Researchers have developed a bio-inspired lower-limb exoskeleton that features natural knee movement, improving patients' comfort and willingness to wear it for gait rehab. The exoskeleton is designed to help strengthen physical fitness, aid rehabilitation training, and assist with daily activities.
University of Iowa researchers develop method to open insects' exoskeletons for studying living cells and organs. The technique allows scientists to access and observe sensory cells and other tissues in tiny, hard-to-reach spots.
Researchers from the Walk Again Project have reported significant recovery of neurological function in paraplegic patients who trained with a brain-controlled system. Patients regained leg muscle movement, touch sensation, and bladder/bowel control, with some experiencing improved cardiovascular function.
A study found that insect tibias are best suited for high-stress activities like jumping and righting when overturned, with similar strength across desert locust, American cockroach, and Death's Head cockroach species.
The FDA has cleared Indego exoskeleton for clinical and personal use, allowing people with paralysis to stand up and walk. The device offers advanced features like adjustable robotic assistance and functional electrical stimulation to aid in rehabilitation.
Cybathlon is a global competition that awards teams of disabled pilots and scientists for developing novel assistive technologies. It includes disciplines such as prosthetic limbs, exoskeletons, wheelchairs, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to improve the quality of life for people with motor disabilities.
Scientists have developed a minimally-invasive brain-machine interface to control an exoskeleton with the power of thought. The stentrode device can record high-quality signals emitted from the brain's motor cortex without open brain surgery.
A recent study found that US homes contain a vast array of arthropods, including insects, spiders, and centipedes, with an average of 100 morphospecies per home. Many of these species are benign and unaware human presence, highlighting the importance of exploring their role in home ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on developing a hybrid walking exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) and powered frames. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective system for paraplegics to walk, with potential applications in rehabilitation science and consumer technology.
Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers are developing child-sized exoskeletons that will be customized and designed to grow as the child grows, helping them walk independently. The devices aim to ease conditions such as skeletal deformities caused by immobile bodies, while also being fun and interactive for children.
Researchers studied the exoskeletons of deep-sea shrimp and shallow-dwelling shrimp, revealing differences in structure and performance. The deep-sea exoskeleton is softer yet capable of withstanding temperature extremes, while the surface-shrimp exoskeleton is harder and better protects against predators.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a 500-million-year-old fossil brain that helped determine the origin of heads in early animals. The research found connections between the hard plate and eye-like features at the front of the body, indicating a common evolutionary transition from soft to hard bodies.
A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...
Researchers at NC State University and Carnegie Mellon University developed a lightweight ankle exoskeleton that increases walking efficiency without using energy from batteries. The device reduces metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent, improving the 'gas mileage' of human walking.
Researchers have developed a new design framework for powered lower-extremity exoskeletons, enabling highly customized designs with optimized performance and stability control. The custom-tailored exoskeletons aim to improve user comfort and safety while reducing development time and cost.
Researchers at Ohio State University have gained insight into how the body moves when walking by watching people walk naturally on a treadmill. They discovered that tiny variations in pelvis movement and foot placement can predict future steps with high accuracy.
A soft wearable robot developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers enables natural motions in the ankle, aiding patients with ankle-foot disorders. The device uses soft plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles to achieve a range of motion similar to a normal walking gait.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are working on an exoskeleton that could help geriatric patients regain independence in movement. The device is designed to supplement the user's natural movement, rather than forcing a predetermined motion, and has the potential to benefit patients affected by stroke and paraplegia.
The project aims to perfect a non-invasive brain-machine interface technology that allows patients to control robotic legs and neuroprosthetic limbs with their thoughts. Researchers have begun initial testing at UH, with broader clinical trials planned for Methodist Hospital.
The ReWalk powered exoskeleton restored ambulatory function to patients with thoracic-level spinal cord injury. Dr. Alberto Esquenazi won the 2012 AAP Excellence in Research Writing Award for this study.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a brain prosthetic that allows rats to sense infrared light as a tactile sensation, enabling them to navigate virtual environments and recognize textures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of neural prosthetics for quadriplegics to regain sensory perception.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a powered exoskeleton that enables people with severe spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs. The device provides an unprecedented degree of independence, allowing users to transport it on their wheelchair and use it with minimal concentration.
A new robotic exoskeleton and EEG-based neural interface are being developed to help stroke patients regain upper-limb function. The system will interpret brain waves to control the exoskeleton, allowing patients to willingly operate it with their thoughts.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that mosquitoes can fly through rain due to their strong exoskeleton and low mass. The insect's ability to absorb impact forces from raindrops allows it to survive collisions, with the help of its legs and wings.
Researchers at MIT have created an exoskeleton device to lighten the burden of heavy backpacks, transferring weight to the ground. The prototype successfully takes on 80% of an 80-pound load but impairs natural walking gait.
The ankle exoskeleton helps patients regain limb function, and users can learn to walk with it in about 30 minutes. After three days, their nervous system retained control over the device.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have found a natural way to control the spread of destructive Argentine ants by manipulating their chemical cues. The team created a synthetic version of a recognition compound that causes untreated nest mates to attack, disrupting cooperative behavior within colonies.
Researchers found that knocking out laccase-2 enzyme prevents tanning in red flour beetle, revealing protein responsible for hardened exoskeleton. The discovery opens possibilities for developing new insecticides and bio-rational methods to control pest populations.
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a wearable device that enhances human strength and endurance. The system combines a human control system with robotic muscle, allowing the wearer to walk, squat, and bend without reduced agility.