Exoskeleton

Engineers at Stanford University are developing an ankle exoskeleton to help people walk faster. That may sound like a weird novelty gadget, but it's designed for the serious purpose of helping those whose gait is slowing down due to age or infirmity.

Robotic exoskeletons are already making a huge difference to people who are otherwise unable to walk, but the things do still have some limitations. Researchers are now seeking to address those problems, using onboard cameras and AI.

It's huge, it's clunky, it's not pretty, but Marcel Reese claims his VR exoskeleton is "the first working system for realistic walking in VR with force feedback and balance feedback." It tracks your movement, and lets the virtual world push back.

Last year, we got our first look at an ambitious take on high-tech exoskeletons in the Guardian XO from Sarcos Robotics, which has just gathered US$40 million in new funding to bring its full-bodied suit to market in 2021.

A couple of years ago, we heard how Ford was supplying its assembly plant employees with an assistive exoskeleton called the EksoVest. Now, the maker of that device has unveiled a lighter and limberer but just as capable model.

This giant mechanical exo-suit copies the movements of a pilot's limbs. It's 13 feet tall, and has the power to pick up and crush small cars. And if you've got US$1,515 lying about, you can now sign up to strap in and drive it.

More and more, workplaces are using assistive exoskeletons to protect their employees from injury. One of the newest, the 4th-generation version of German Bionic's Cray X, features a lightweight carbon fiber frame.

When stroke patients are recovering from paralysis, therapists often guide their arms through the lost motions, helping their nervous system to "relearn" the actions. The task can be a demanding one, though, which is where Harmony SHR comes in.

Engineers at Stanford have developed motorized exoskeletons that strap to a user’s legs to make running easier. It's not something you’d wear down to the park for a jog, but it could eventually find use as a form of last-mile transportation.

Sarcos revealed its Guardian XO robotic exoskeleton at CES 2019. At this year's CES, the robotics specialist and Delta Air Lines announced pilot trials, with Delta employees set to become among the first workers to suit up in the wearable robots.

While some powered exoskeletons give able-bodied users "superstrength," others are designed simply to let physically-challenged people move about normally. A new version of the latter is said to be much lighter and more user-responsive than others on the market.

Exoskeletons on the automotive production line can help make strenuous or repetitive tasks less physically demanding for employees. Audi is now equipping some of its workforce with such support tools.