Powered exoskeleton
Powered exoskeletons, also known as power armor, exoframes, or exosuits, are wearable mobile machines that are powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics, levers, hydraulics, or a combination of technologies that allow for limb movement with increased strength and endurance. These devices are designed to assist and protect the wearer during a variety of tasks, ranging from military applications to medical rehabilitations and heavy lifting work.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Powered exoskeletons are a form of human-machine interface that augment the capabilities of the human body. The concept has roots in both science fiction and practical engineering. In the military field, they are being developed to enhance the strength and endurance of soldiers, allowing them to carry heavy equipment over long distances with reduced fatigue. In the medical field, exoskeletons are used to assist individuals with mobility impairments, enabling them to walk or regain fine motor control. In industrial settings, they are employed to prevent injuries and improve efficiency in tasks that require heavy lifting or repetitive motions.
History[edit | edit source]
The idea of enhancing human capabilities through external mechanization has been explored in literature and experimentation for centuries. However, the development of powered exoskeletons as we know them today began in the mid-20th century. The first operational systems were developed in the 1960s, with the aim of assisting soldiers, but were limited by the technology of the time. Advances in computer technology, materials science, and robotics have significantly accelerated development in the 21st century.
Components[edit | edit source]
A typical powered exoskeleton consists of:
- An outer framework that matches parts of the human body
- Actuators to power the movement
- Sensors to detect the user's motion intentions
- A control system to interpret sensor signals and operate the actuators
- Power supply to drive the system
Applications[edit | edit source]
Military[edit | edit source]
In the military, powered exoskeletons are being developed to enhance the physical capabilities of soldiers, including strength, speed, and endurance. This could potentially reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue in combat situations.
Medical[edit | edit source]
In the medical field, exoskeletons offer new possibilities for rehabilitation and mobility assistance. They are used to support and retrain movement for individuals with spinal cord injuries, stroke, or other conditions that affect their ability to move.
Industrial[edit | edit source]
In industrial applications, exoskeletons are used to support workers performing physically demanding tasks, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. They are particularly useful in logistics, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
Challenges and Future Directions[edit | edit source]
Despite significant advancements, powered exoskeletons face challenges in terms of cost, weight, and power supply. Current models are often expensive and can be heavy, with limited battery life. Future research and development are focused on overcoming these obstacles, with the goal of creating more practical, lightweight, and affordable systems.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD