Development of a Series Elastic Tendon Actuator (SETA) Based on Gait Analysis for a Knee Assistive Exosuit

Actuators and transmission mechanisms in rehabilitation lower limb exoskeletons: a review

Research has shown that rehabilitation lower limb exoskeletons (RLLEs) are effective tools for improving recovery or regaining lower limb function. This device interacts with the limbs of patients. Thus, actuators and power transmission mechanisms are the key factors in determining smooth human‒machine interaction and comfort in physical therapy activities. A multitude of distinct technologies have been proposed. However, we questioned which consideration point in actuator selection and power transmission mechanisms are used for RLLE. A review of the technical characteristics and status of advanced RLLE designs is discussed. We review actuator selection for RLLE devices. Furthermore, the power transmission mechanisms over the years within each of the RLLE devices are presented. The development issues and possible research directions related to actuators and power transmission mechanisms are provided. Most RLLEs are still in the research phase, and only a few have been commercialized. The aim of this paper is to provide researchers with useful information for investigating technological progress and highlight the latest technological choices in RLLE development.

Soft Wearable Robots: Development Status and Technical Challenges

In recent years, more and more research has begun to focus on the flexible and lightweight design of wearable robots. During this process, many novel concepts and achievements have been continuously made and shown to the public, while new problems have emerged at the same time, which need to be solved. In this paper, we give an overview of the development status of soft wearable robots for human movement assistance. On the basis of a clear definition, we perform a system classification according to the target assisted joint and attempt to describe the overall prototype design level in related fields. Additionally, it is necessary to sort out the latest research progress of key technologies such as structure, actuation, control and evaluation, thereby analyzing the design ideas and basic characteristics of them. Finally, we discuss the possible application fields, and propose the main challenges of this valuable research direction.