RoboWalker - The solution to assisted walking
RoboWalker is one of the main projects in the area of legged robots and powered leg orthotics that Yobotics, a cutting-edge robotic design, consulting, and research firm specializing in biomimetic robots, powered leg orthotics and force-controllable actuators, is currently engaging in. The main aim of the RoboWalker is to assist people suffering from weakness in lower extremities by augmenting or replacing muscular functions of the lower extremities. Possible causes of such disabilities come in many forms, including stroke, post-polio syndrome, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
A power-assisted wearable device that could provide the leg strength, support and endurance for the elderly and those with effects of lower limbs weakening diseases, RoboWalker, if successfully developed, would be a state-of-the-art breakthrough in orthotic device, which currently consists of only passive device. RoboWalker webs the leg and foot in a series of artificial, exoskeleton springy tendons and muscles. The device is able to, through the numerous sensors, know exactly the user’s next course of action, and provides bursts of muscular energy through the brace when needed. Such burst of energy provides the necessary strength that could assist the user in accomplishing the task (for instance walking up the stairs or even standing up from sitting position) which he or she may otherwise have difficulty accomplishing. Nevertheless, just like its scaled-down cousins RoboKnee or RoboAnkle, RoboWalker is not useful for paraplegics (complete paralysis of the lower extremities), since the user must have the ability to first put the leg where it needs to go in order for RoboWalker to provide the necessary assistance to complete the motion.
While the RoboWalker prototype has had rather impressive trial results, there are also certain drawbacks associated with it. Firstly, the batteries that power the device can only last for a relatively short period of use. Recharging the batteries or changing a new set would be required after about 30 to 40 minutes of wireless assisted walking. Secondly, while the final price of the actual device is unknown, the estimated cost in the range of $10,000 may make it prohibitively expensive for most people.
The success of RoboWalker will see the change in lives of many disabled and elderly people. It will definitely replace the wheelchair as the preferred means of locomotion for these people. Not only will this innovation greatly reduce the inconvenience brought to people suffering from weakness in lower extremities, such breakthrough in technology would also bring about a huge cost savings to social welfare system, where the needs for modifications to improve mobility (wheelchair-friendly houses, stair lifts, car lifts, home aids etc) would be reduced.
Links:
http://yobotics.com/robowalker/robowalker.html
http://www.roboticstrends.com/displayarticle35.html?POSTNUKESID=a8fd9114cf249d6866513b067b7a5f8f
