Go five kilometers in rRobo-shoes, and this distance does not seem to you too large. New robotic “exoskeleton” reduces the energy consumed by the pedestrian at 23%. This is the biggest reduction in energy consumption to suit the cable.
Flexible fabric exoskeleton consists of two stretch fabric windings that are wrapped around the calf, belt and four vertical straps running from calf to hip. The cable attached to the motor that delivers the force to the ankle, so people used less of their own energy for lifting and movement of the legs. Energy is also transmitted through the belt to the thigh joint. Thanks to chain reaction a separate motor for each joint are not necessary.
Now the exoskeleton is connected to an external motor and tested only on the simulator. The researchers plan to make the costume, which is fully provided with energy supply, worn on the body. Activated carbon exoskeleton work expended in the ankle and hip is greatly reduced.
“When you first start wearing this costume, to get used to it immediately will not work, says Conor Walsh, Harvard biodesign lab. — Your feet will feel like a sluggish, since your muscles will do less work than they used to.”
The hard exoskeleton is more suitable for completely paralyzed people, or for those who carry heavy loads. But soft exoskeleton imposes less weight on the carrier itself, and therefore can be extremely useful on long distances, for example, for soldiers, or for older people who have recently suffered a stroke.