ALTACRO (Automated Locomotion Training using an Actuated Compliant Robotic Orthosis)
Gait rehabilitation provides locomotion training to people with incomplete spinal cord injuries to recuperate walking capability. Conventional training devices like the body weight support treadmill trainer(BWSTT) involve four physiotherapists to help the patient’s leg and hip motion. Moreover, it makes use of overhead suspension system which compromises comfortability. The existing step rehabilitation robots use bulky conventional electric drives making the joints very stiff. Integration of robotics will increase the efficiency and quality of such therapy.The ALTACRO, an exoskeleton, is novel step rehabilitation robot and conduct clinical studies to overcome the problems of the systems available. It comprises of a treadmill, a safety linkage mechanism and a robotic orthosis with the hip, knee and ankle joints actuated by PPAM's. The use of Pleated Pneumatic Artificial Muscle [3] instead of electrical commands distinguishes this system from others. It creates a comfortable human-robot interface giving the rehabilitation process additional functionality. This actuator technology used by ALTACRO has following advantages:
- The orthosis becomes lightweight and compact.
- The high power output supports the entire body weight without using an overhead suspension.
- The ankle joint assistance can be provided to realize normal gait.
- The actuation system absorbs the spasmodic movements of the patients and with time patients can be given more independence in generating their walking movement
Click here for an animation of ALTACRO. Any patient who can walk again will benefit from this project. For those who will probably never walk again this robot will help limit the detrimental effects of being wheelchair-bound (loss of bone mass, osteoporosis, etc.) The ALTACRO promises better care and a speedier return to mobility.
REFERENCES
[1] http://altacro.vub.ac.be/info
[2] http://www.fondation-altran.org
[3] Pleated Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PPAM)
NAMAN AGARWAL
REFERENCES
[1] http://altacro.vub.ac.be/info
[2] http://www.fondation-altran.org
[3] Pleated Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PPAM)
NAMAN AGARWAL
