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The Discovery FilesROBOWEAR!
The way we walk can be determined by our sex, height, age, and muscle strength. But for many, an accident or a health disorder can impact their ability to walk. A team of researchers have developed a wearable, soft robotic “exosuit” that could improve the quality of life for millions with walking impairments or who lift heavy loads. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”
Credit: National Science Foundation
Hi! I’m Mo Barrow with The Discovery Files, from NSF, the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Footsteps. We do all manner of walking: rushing down city streets, along nature trails, simply navigating daily life.
The way we walk can be determined by our sex, height, age, and muscle strength. But for many, an accident or disorder can impact their ability to walk.
But what if we had wearable robotic technology that could improve the quality of life for the millions with walking impairments? What advantages could it provide first responders and people who lift heavy loads?
With support in part from the NSF, a team of researchers at Harvard University have developed a soft robotic “exosuit” that can adapt to the unique walking characteristics and needs of an individual user.
The wearable technology supports the mechanics of the user's joints and muscles.
When tested in real-world situations, the exosuit quickly adjusted to changes in walking speed and on inclines, providing the promise of great benefit to those with walking impairments and limited mobility.
A walking robotic exosuit? RoboWear!
Discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing research at nsf.gov.
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