A Lightweight Powered Hip Exoskeleton With Parallel Actuation for Frontal and Sagittal Plane Assistance.

ABSTRACT: Wearable robots and powered exoskeletons may improve ambulation for millions of individuals with poor mobility. Powered exoskeletons primarily assist in the sagittal plane to improve walking efficiency and speed. However, individuals with poor mobility often have limited mediolateral balance, which requires torque generation in the frontal plane. Existing hip exoskeletons that assist in both the sagittal and frontal planes are too heavy and bulky for use in the real world. Here we present the kinematic model, mechatronic design, and benchtop and human testing of a powered hip exoskeleton with a unique parallel kinematic actuator. The exoskeleton is lightweight (5.3 kg), has a slim profile, and can generate 30 N·m and 20 N·m of torque during gait in the sagittal and frontal planes. The exos

SUBMITTER: Archangeli D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11926883 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature