While studying at a campus as large as N.C . State, many students have to do a good bit of walking during their daily commute to class. However, for many disabled students and faculty, walking is easier said than done.
Assistant Professor Greg Sawicki , Postdoctoral Research Scholar Dominic Farris, and others at the Human PoWeR laboratory at N.C . State are working to make walking more comfortable and efficient for the impaired.
The ‘PoWeR’ in Human Power stands for Physiology of Wearable Robotics, and their laboratory is currently developing mechanical “exoskeletons” that can be worn on the legs. These exoskeletons do much of the work necessary to walk efficiently in order to ease the walking process of the user.
“One of the overarching goals of the laboratory is to build assistive devices,” Farris said.
As of now, the labs have developed several prototype exoskeletons, all focused on improving the function of the ankle.
Farris says these mechanical ‘exoskeletons’ could potentially have two major applications. Their primary goal is to help people with impaired, imbalanced , and asymmetrical walking gaits, such as those who have suffered strokes or spinal cord injuries. However, the researchers do not shy away from acknowledging other tragic sides of reality.
“Some people will never recover,” Farris said. “And for those people, another type of exoskeleton would be required– one whose purpose is for long-term sustainment rather than rehabilitation.”
Using the human physiology as a basis, the lab has developed mechanical parts that mimic body parts central to movement. An early prototype of the exoskeleton features a pneumatic ankle made of molded carbon fiber. The ankle works by sending a bout of compressed air to the mechanic joint to induce movement. Another prototype of the exoskeleton features a spring that acts as a calf muscle.
The Human PoWeR labs aren’t the first to develop exoskeletons – in fact, several different types already exist. However, these exoskeletons still have a few flaws.
“Some of [the other exoskeletons] look quite amazing on the face of it, but they all require a source of power – large batteries…some are even gas powered.” Farris said. ”The extra components required to power those exoskeletons create a lot of extra weight–and for every bit of weight you have, the less efficient the exoskeleton becomes.”
According to Farris, the labs are trying to make the exoskeletons more lightweight and practical by removing all power sources. Without external power or motors, the entire exoskeleton that the labs have been working on is powered by the user.
The Human PoWeR labs have come a long way from their inception a year and a half ago, but they still have a long way to go until their prototypes become reality. However, the researchers at the Human PoWeR labs are already planning for future applications of their research.
“Stroke patients are affected all the way down their body, not just their legs. There are a lot of things you want to do with your arms as well,” Farris said. “Hopefully our lab will be shared with other specialists who can assist in things like that.”
