Technology basically plays the following roles: amplify human abilities. Pick up the phone and hear your voice farther away, or feel the speed of the train compared to walking. In line with this concept, robotic exoskeletons directly enhance human capabilities, allowing users to lift heavier loads, overcome movement constraints, and perform tasks faster. .As predicted by consulting firm ABI Research, this technology has promising potential and the market value is $7.3 billion by 2030.
The latest advance comes from researchers at Canada’s Simon Fraser University, who have unveiled a human exoskeleton that can decode brain waves and translate them into bodily movements. Remarkably, a woman who has suffered from paralysis in both legs since 2015. Walk again after years in a wheelchair. Will innovative applications like this become more prevalent in the near future? What is the trajectory ahead for this evolving technology?
This article covers the following topics:
What is a robotic exoskeleton?
Technically, this is a wearable mechanical device designed to externally enhance physical performance, with the aim of preventing injury, increasing physical strength, or improving mobility. Its name comes from its resemblance to the protective shell-like external skeleton of invertebrates such as aquatic arthropods and terrestrial Coleoptera.
In the animal kingdom, the term “exoskeleton” is often used for invertebrates such as arthropods in the underwater world and Coleoptera on land. In their case, it’s a shell that protects their soft tissue from predators and the elements.
Types of exoskeleton
These devices can be classified according to the type of material (soft, hard, hybrid) as well as the part of the body they assist.
- Lower limbs: Helpful for quick movement and leg rehabilitation.
- Upper limb: Assists with heavy lifting in industrial settings and restores arm mobility.
- Whole body: Provides comprehensive support for the back, arms and legs, especially useful in medical and industrial environments.
Main technology
Although there are also devices that are passive, i.e. devices that have no energy of their own, we focus here on active exoskeletons. These devices are typically equipped with motors, sensors, and control systems that react to the user’s movements and provide assistance as needed. To achieve this, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and servo motors are used. Furthermore, by using batteries, Provides a few hours of independence.
As technology advances, exoskeletons are evolving to become lighter, more efficient, and more versatile. The full body model in particular is by far the bulkiest. Therefore, they are expected to participate in smart textiles to assist users on a daily basis.
Main uses
Although human exoskeleton technology is in its infancy, it shows great potential across a variety of fields.
- construction. This is one of the areas of greatest interest, and machines are already being introduced that allow operators to lift weights of up to 90 kilograms with ease. After all, building materials inspired by animal exoskeletons already exist.
- health care. The main users of exoskeletons in this field are expected to be people with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and people undergoing rehabilitation, who will be able to use the new generation of biomedically developed prostheses and It will be a complementary material.
- senior citizen. Seniors can use these devices in their daily lives to perform simple tasks such as shopping or lifting things at home, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Sports. This is probably the closest style to science fiction. Still, several devices have already been developed that can propel the legs or provide resistance that increases the work of the muscles, depending on the needs of the user.
How much does it cost?
The initial cost of robotic exoskeletons is primarily aimed at medical and industrial applications, but From $5,000 for passive models to $100,000 for advanced full-body models.. However, as the technology matures, costs are expected to decrease, consistent with the aforementioned consulting firm’s predictions. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, exoskeletons will move from niche technology to commonplace tools like mobile phones and augmented reality glasses.
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