Scientists from the Stanford University have developed a ankle exoskeleton, designed to facilitate walking or walking up to 40 percent faster and without extra effort.
Experts describe the feeling of wearing the exoskeleton as like having a robot on your legs, but without the discomfort that comes with a full suit.
The development of this invention is given with the aim of one day helping millions of people with mobility problems, whether due to medical problems, age or other reasons, according to what is explained in the report published on the website of computer today.
The first version of this exoskeleton has no straps and its use goes beyond laboratory tests. Adjusts its level of assistance on the fly and offers a boost similar to taking off a 30 pound backpack.
How does the exoskeleton work?
This new and modern exoskeleton is a motorized robot boot that applies a torque to the ankle, thus performing part of the function of the calf muscle, helping the user to propel themselves with each step, being much more comfortable than a conventional suit, for example, like Iron Man.
The report claims that the boot incorporates cheap sensors to monitor movement and uses machine learning algorithms to adapt the level of assistance based on the way a person walks.
The Stanford University team claims that the exoskeleton takes about an hour to get used to the wearerbut once it does, orOffers energy savings and speed increase equivalent to dropping a 14kg backpack.
For now, the exoskeleton is priceless and the idea is that it be distributed in the medical industry.