Independent Exoskeleton-Use through Robust Stand-to-Sit Safety

Project Summary Abstract Innovative Design LabsIDLproposes to create a system for the sensing and control of stand to sit motions of a wearable bionics suitCurrentlymillion people in the US have impaired mobility from a number of different causesThe primary means of mobility for many of these patients is the wheelchair as it has been for most of the lastyearsDespite all the benefits introduced by widespread use of the wheelchairit remains a less than ideal mobility solutionExoskeleton suits have the potential to empower individuals with impaired mobility with an alternative to wheelchairs that allows them to stand up and walk independently within their home and community has the potential to more fully reintegrate these individuals into society while also further improving their health and quality of lifeFor exoskeletons to gain acceptance in every day independent home and community usemany control and safety related functionalities still need to be addressedOur proposal seeks to address one of the gaps in allowing for independent use of exoskeletons in the home and communitynamelyfunctionality to transition from standing to sitting in a safe mannerThe proposed work will provide exoskeleton users with the new ability to independently sit down without assistance and confidence in being able to do so without falling and risking possible injuriesIt aims to significantly change the way exoskeletons work thereby facilitating their adoption into the market and directly impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities Project Narrative Exoskeletons can provide patients with SCIstrokeand other types of impaired mobility access to extended durationgravity dependent ambulation that can directly combat the risks associated with physical deconditioningThere are benefits for exoskeleton use to gain widespread acceptance in every dayindependent home and community settingsCurrentlyexoskeletons are not approved for independent use because functionalities like transferring from standing to sitting requires continuous assistance from caregivers