Abstract: Described herein are fields of exercise or therapy systems in particular exercise or therapy systems that controllably generate and maintain an unweighted environment using a mechanical system or a differential air pressure (DAP) envelope about a user so as to at least partially or completely unweight the user. This application also relates to improved control systems for pressure chambers for use in differential air pressure (DAP) systems including data collection and utilization for general fitness use, athletic use, or medical use treadmills and related software, control and analytics systems, especially as related to obtaining gait data from load cells provided in the system.

Abstract: A wearable walking assist robot is provided that ensures high walking assistance performance without a complex calculation process by detecting a gait phase based on pressure distribution on feet and performing a corresponding control mode that is set in advance. The wearable walking assist robot includes a sensor unit that senses pressure on the soles of the feet of a wearer and a controller that determines gait phases of both a first leg to be operated and a second leg based on the sensed pressure. Additionally, the controller selects one of a plurality of control modes set in advance based on the determined gait phases and operates a joint-driving unit for the first leg to be operated.

Abstract: A machine learning device for a robot that allows a human and the robot to work cooperatively, the machine learning device including a state observation unit that observes a state variable representing a state of the robot during a period in that the human and the robot work cooperatively; a determination data obtaining unit that obtains determination data for at least one of a level of burden on the human and a working efficiency; and a learning unit that learns a training data set for setting an action of the robot, based on the state variable and the determination data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating cardiac rehabilitation among eligible users is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) receiving health information associated with one or more users; (2) for each user of the one or more users: determining, based on health information associated with the user, a respective eligibility of the user for cardiac rehabilitation; (3) determining, based on the respective eligibilities, that at least one user of the one or more users is eligible for cardiac rehabilitation; (4) generating a treatment plan for the at least one user, where the treatment plan pertains to a cardiac rehabilitation that is specific to the at least one user; and (5) assigning the treatment plan to at least one electromechanical machine to enable the user to perform the cardiac rehabilitation.

Abstract: A rehabilitation exercise device for upper and lower limbs includes: a first support supporting a user's hand or foot; a second support supporting a user's forearm or calf; a pair of first hinges rotatably coupling the first support and the second support to each other; a third support supporting a user's upper arm or thigh; a pair of second hinges configured to be rotated in conjunction with the third support, and to which the second support part is coupled to be rotatable relative thereto; and an angle adjustment part adjusting an angle between the second support and the third support.

Abstract: Improved actuator and retraction mechanisms for force feedback exoskeletons are described. An actuator assembly for a force-feedback exoskeleton comprising: a rotating body coupled to a tendon and to a spring, said spring configured to produce a torque on the rotating body; and a second body having a surface configured to apply a variable force to a surface of the rotating body by means of a membrane enclosing a volume fluidically coupled to at least one control valve and to a pressurized fluid source, wherein the volume enclosed by the membrane comprises: a first pressure state in which the rotating body contacts the second body; and a second pressure state in which the rotating body does not contact the second body.

Abstract: An exoskeleton wheelchair system includes a base, one or more wheels coupled to the base, a body support connected to the base comprising: a back support; and one or more leg supports pivotally coupled to the back support, and a gait wheel linked with the one or more leg supports via one or more gait linkages and configured to rotate the one or more leg supports. The one or more leg supports are configured to pivot about a first axis when the back support is in a standing position mode. The back support is maintained at a fixed position relative to a location of the base when the one or more leg supports pivot about the first axis while the back support is in the standing position mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robotic mobile support system configured to autonomously follow a subject with impaired mobility from a close but safe distance behind the subject and react to movements of the subject's torso and upper body to provide dynamic support for the subject and stop the subject from falling. The system comprises a mobile base vehicle, a robotic arm installed on the mobile base vehicle, and a LIDAR sensor for detecting the distance to a subject and the direction/speed of the subject. The robotic arm comprises one or more adjustable rear and side soft supports configured to support the subject and stop the subject from falling. The system can also comprise an onboard computer configured to process LIDAR data to control the movement of the mobile base vehicle and the robotic arm to stop the subject from falling.

Abstract: A charging seat includes a processor having hardware. The processor is configured to detect that a user is seated in a seat portion, detect an electric assistance apparatus that is worn by the user and assists the user in walking, and supply electric power in conformity with a charging standard of the electric assistance apparatus to the electric assistance apparatus.

Abstract: An enhanced exoskeleton system is disclosed comprising an exoskeleton, a base layer comprising at least one sensor, an exoskeleton actuator configured to actuate the exoskeleton, a control subsystem comprising one or more processors, and memory elements including instructions that, when executed, cause the processors to perform operations comprising: receiving sensor data from the sensor, determining a future movement intent of a user of the exoskeleton, determining a command for an exoskeleton actuator based on the future movement intent, and communicating the command to the exoskeleton actuator whereby the exoskeleton is actuated by the exoskeleton actuator. In some embodiments, the sensor data comprises an anticipatory data value from an anticipatory sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor data comprises an anticipatory data value from an electromyography (EMG) sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a customized configuration for a controller of an exoskeleton device. A device can receive, via a user interface, feedback from a user indicative of a performance of the user during a movement event. The device can determine characteristics of the user for performing the movement event using a first exoskeleton boot and a second exoskeleton boot and identify properties of a route for the movement event. The device can determine using the characteristics of the user, the feedback and the properties of the route, control parameters for the first exoskeleton boot and the second exoskeleton boot to execute the movement event. The device can apply the control parameters to the first exoskeleton boot and the second exoskeleton boot for the user to operate the first exoskeleton boot and the second exoskeleton boot during the movement event.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobility device and related device including at least one actuator component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control method may include executing a control application with an electronic controller to perform: receiving a command in the control system of the mobility device for initiating an automated assessment and adjustment protocol; controlling one or more mobility device components to perform the automated assessment; electronically gathering user performance data associated with the automated assessment and determining user performance metrics; and electronically controlling one or more of the mobility device components in accordance with the performance metrics. The automated assessment includes controlling mobility device components to perform a predetermined assessment activity related to performance of the mobility device and/or user.

Abstract: A method for controlling an ambulatory exoskeleton (1) linked to a user (100), comprising the following steps: —measuring only the vertical component (ZNg, ZNd) of the pressure (Rd, Rg) under each foot (123, 133) of the user (1); —controlling actuators (40, 41, 42, 43) such that the vertical component (ZEd, ZEg) of the resultant of the balancing forces (REg, REd) applied to the exoskeleton (1) and exerted by each foot (23, 33) of the exoskeleton (1) on the ground is a function of the vertical component (ZNg, ZNd) of the pressure (Rd, Rg) measured under the corresponding foot (123, 133) of the user (100).

Abstract: A walking assistance device deformable based on a thigh shape includes a hip joint actuator, an upper thigh frame connected to the hip joint actuator and configured to receive power from the hip joint actuator and rotate about a first axis and rotate about a second axis intersecting the first axis, a motion frame connected to the upper thigh frame, the motion frame including a plurality of segment frames configured to rotate relative to each other, and a lower thigh frame connected to the motion frame.

Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.

Abstract: An approach for a computer in a robotic arm device attached to a patient to receive data identifying at least one protected area of the patient from a computing device of a medical professional. The approach includes the computer receiving instructions for one or more actions by the robotic arm device associated with the least one protected area of the patient from the computing device of the medical professional. Additionally, the approach includes the computer receiving sensor data associated with one or more movements of the patient from one or more sensors in the robotic arm device and determining that a hand of the patient in the robotic arm device is entering the at least one protected area. Furthermore, the approach includes the computer initiating one action of one or more actions by the robotic arm device that is associated with the least one protected area of the patient.

Abstract: A haptic system for providing a gait cadence to a subject comprising a portable telecommunication device with a control unit and a wireless transmission means; a vibrotactile device configured to be tightly worn on a portion of the subject's body, including at least one motor configured to generate vibrations that can be perceived by the subject and an actuation unit configured to actuate the motor. The actuation unit is configured to receive wireless signals from the wireless transmission means of the portable telecommunication device and to cause the motor to produce vibrations responsive to the wireless signals. In the control unit a generation program is resident configured to generate cadence signals and to transmit the wireless signals responsive to the cadence signals by the wireless transmission means to the actuation unit. The generation program is configured to provide corresponding cadence pulses to the motor.

Abstract: Sensor devices closely attached to a body of a user, and walking assist devices such sensor devices may be provided. For example, a sensor device including a sensor configured to sense physical information of the user, and a support configured to provide an elastic force to the sensor such that the sensor closely attached to the body regardless pf a movement of the user, and enable the sensor to sense the physical information of the user with relative accuracy may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a soft knee exoskeleton driven by a negative-pressure linear actuator, including: an exoskeleton controller, a left leg knee joint soft actuator, a right leg knee joint soft actuator and the like. The soft knee exoskeleton mainly uses a miniature vacuum negative pressure pump as an air pressure power source. A DSP embedded control system performs real-time processing on the data, such as a muscle force, a knee joint angle and a human-machine interaction force, detected by a sensing system, estimates a human-machine cooperation state, and performs real-time control on the switching of the negative pressure flow and an air channel of the miniature vacuum negative pressure pump.

Abstract: Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

Abstract: A training apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a top structure, a bottom structure, and a traction structure disposed between the top structure and the bottom structure, and wherein the traction structure is configured to be retractable along an axial direction of the top or bottom structure to achieve relative movement between the top structure and the bottom structure.

Abstract: A kinematical chain (100) for assisting a spherical motion of an anatomical joint (200) of a finger of the hand (210) of a user, said anatomical joint (200) having centre of rotation P and being arranged for allowing a relative motion of a finger of the hand (210) with respect to a portion of hand (220) of the user, said finger of the hand (210) defining a longitudinal direction ?. The kinematical chain (100) comprises a first rotational joint (110) engaged to the finger of the hand (210) and to a first connection link (115), said first rotational joint (110) arranged to provide a relative rotation ? between the first connection link (115) and the finger of the hand (210) about a rotation axis x coincident with the longitudinal direction ?.

Abstract: A device for muscle strength support includes a flexible support structure configured to be worn on a body of a user during use of the device and an actuator unit configured to exert a tensile force on a first tension member of the flexible support structure to support the muscle strength during a movement of a first body part. The first tension member extends along a first path through a guide strap of the flexible support structure to the actuator unit, the guide strap limiting a section of the first path in a direction perpendicular to a path longitudinal direction. The first tension member is further configured to be attached to the first body part during use of the device by a first fastening member.

Abstract: An elbow joint rehabilitation system and an elbow joint rehabilitation method are provided. The elbow joint rehabilitation system includes a support member, a motor, a torque sensing unit, a first electromyography sensor, a second electromyography sensor and a motor control device. In the elbow joint rehabilitation method, the support member is configured to support an arm of a patient. Thereafter, the torque sensing unit is configured to sense the torque applied on the support member to obtain a sensed arm torque signal. Then, the first electromyography sensor and the second electromyography sensor are configured to sense the muscle activities of biceps and triceps of the patient to obtain electromyography signals. Thereafter, the motor is controlled to drive the support member to perform rehabilitation in accordance with the sensed arm torque signal, the electromyography signals and a current support member position provided by the motor.

Abstract: A control system and method for an exoskeleton is provided. The control system utilizes the admittance control paradigm to provide a system and method for manipulating the exoskeleton using minimal force from the user. A force/torque sensor and servo motors are fitted onto a passive arm support, enabling motorized support for a user with upper extremity weaknesses. The exoskeleton may be used on any extremity. The admittance control paradigm includes an impedance control and an admittance control to allow a user with upper extremity weakness and limited independence to intuitively and with minimal force control the precise trajectory of their arms to achieve a greater degree of independence in activities of daily living. Unlike existing passive arm supports that utilize springs or rubber bands to balance the user's arm against gravity, this system provides more precise gravity compensation and minimizes the amount of force required to control the exoskeleton.

Abstract: A power assistive device (100) for hand rehabilitation that provides training of a combined movement of finger flexion-extension and forearm supination-pronation to a user. The power assistive device (100) includes a hand brace (102) and a base (104). The hand brace (102) includes finger driving units (206) that adjustably connect to a platform (202, 204), actuators (208) that connect to the finger driving units (206), and force sensors (232) that connect to the finger driving units (206) and the bottom of the hand brace (102) and detect force signals generated by movement of the hand brace (102).

Abstract: A rehabilitation device includes a first support unit adapted to support palms of a rehabilitation patient; a second support unit which is provided in one side of the first support unit and adapted to support fingers of the rehabilitation patient; a driving unit which moves the second support unit toward a direction of a back of a hand of the rehabilitation patient; and a joint unit which allows the first support unit to be tilted as the second support unit moves.

Abstract: A powered exoskeleton is designed to provide assistance to a user, where the powered exoskeleton may have power-generating elements in one location and power-applying elements in another location, so that a user can easily wear the powered exoskeleton.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory may have instructions stored therein related to an exercise regimen for a patient. A graphical user interface may be provided. The controller may be configured to display an alert on the graphical user interface when the patient requires exercise. User inputs may be displayed on the graphical user interface to enable a caregiver to record exercises completed by the patient.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system includes: a rehabilitation robot configured to execute corresponding actions according to motion instructions; a brain wave detector configured to detect brain wave signals of a user; and control device configured to generate motion instructions according to brain wave signals to control the rehabilitation robot to execute corresponding actions.

Abstract: Automatic electromyography (EMG) electrode selection for robotic devices is disclosed. A plurality of signals from a corresponding plurality of sensors coupled to a skin of a user is received. For each pair of at least some pairs of the plurality of sensors, a sensor pair signature is generated based on differences in signals that are generated by the respective pair of sensors. Each of the sensor pair signatures is compared to a predetermined sensor pair signature to identify a particular pair of sensors. A signal difference between two signals generated by the particular pair of sensors is subsequently utilized to generate a command to drive a motor.

Abstract: A flexible driver, a robot joint, a robot and an exoskeleton robot, the transmission mechanism including an active rotating member, a driven rotating member and a rope, which form a rope drive relationship; wherein, the rope is tightly wound around rotating surfaces of the active rotating member and the driven rotating member, and a rotational central axis of the active rotating member is perpendicular to a rotational central axis of the driven rotating member. An output end of the driving mechanism is connected to the active rotating member, to drive rotation of the active rotating member. The output mechanism includes a flexible driving part, and an output part which is used for connecting to an external actuator. The driven rotating member drives rotation of the output part through the flexible driving part. The flexible driver drives flexibly the actuator through a compact structure as well as reliable and high-efficient transmission.

Abstract: Provided are a support rehabilitation training robot and an operation method thereof. The support rehabilitation training robot includes a crawler-type walking machine, a pedestal, a lifting lead screw mechanism, a manipulator and a counterweight mechanism. The manipulator includes a shoulder joint, a revolute joint, an elbow joint and a wrist joint. Each of the joints includes a motor, a harmonic reducer and an output terminal.

Abstract: Examples of a device for guiding and detecting a motion of a target joints and a motion assistance system such motion guiding devices are described. The motion guiding and detecting device comprises a motion generator and a motion transfer and target interfacing unit to transfer the motion generated by the motion generator to the target joint. The system further includes a motion detection and feedback unit that interfaces with the target, and a controller that interfaces with both the feedback unit and the motion generator to control and coordinate the motion of the motion generator and the target joint.

Abstract: Examples of a self-supported device for guiding motions of a target joint of a target body are disclosed. The device comprises a motion generator, a motion transfer system, a target body interfacing system, a load bearing system and a controller. The load bearing system comprises a plate connected to the motion transfer system and a network of joints and links configured to constrain the plate to rotate in three dimensions about a center of rotation of the load bearing system. A position of the center of rotation of the load bearing system being adjustable by adjusting a connection point between the links. The plate of the load bearing system is connected to an adjustable target body interfacing system that is configured to be mounted to the target body. The center of rotation of the load bearing system coincides (or nearly coincides) with a center of rotation of the target joint of the target body.

Abstract: Upper arms are fixed to drive shafts of a pair of drive sources at or near respective left and right hip joints. The upper arms are coupled to an upper body trunk harness by first passive rotary shafts via third passive rotary shafts, and are mounted to a lower body trunk harness by a mounting device. Lower arms are fixed to drive source bodies, and are coupled to thigh harnesses by second passive rotary shafts via fourth passive rotary shafts. The first and second passive rotary shafts and third and fourth passive rotary shafts are angularly displaceable about axial lines in a lateral direction of the wearer and axial lines in an anteroposterior direction of the wearer, respectively. An acceleration/angular speed sensor fixed to the lower body trunk harness detects an acceleration of the body trunk in a vertical direction by landing of a foot.

Abstract: An artificial leg motion assisting apparatus and an artificial leg motion assisting method which are capable of transmitting knee joint motive power to a commercially-available trans-femoral prosthesis without making a wearer feel a sense of discomfort. When the artificial leg motion assisting apparatus is attached to the commercially-available trans-femoral prosthesis, a control unit controls a drive unit by a specified control method on the basis of mechanical impedance adjusted by an impedance adjustment unit and transmits output of the drive unit to a knee joint coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Activity Environment Generator (“AEG”) is provided. The AEG allows a user in a variety of settings such as: domestic settings, office chairs, TV chairs, train seats, airplane seats, domestic or hospital beds. The AEG is particularly useful in the fields of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, injury prevention, falls prevention, training and wellness in general and may also provide recreational and/or entertainment elements. The AEG provides dynamically controllable forces with which the user interacts in the course of his/her activity. In one aspect of the invention, the forces provided by the AEG are generated by a magnetic field. In another aspect of the invention, the forces provided by The AEG are generated by a pneumatic actuator. The AEG is optionally scalable and/or modular and, in specific embodiments, may include one or more of the following: a Remote Trainer, an AEG-Accessory, an AEG-Wearable, optimization by Big Data and machine-learning.

Abstract: A wearable muscular strength assist apparatus and a method and a system of controlling the same are disclosed. The wearable muscular strength assist apparatus includes a main body for supporting the upper body of a wearer, a plurality of leg pulleys provided at the left and right sides of the main body, a plurality of links, each having one end for supporting a respective one of the legs of the wearer and the remaining end connected to a respective one of the leg pulleys so as to be interlocked therewith, a plurality of wires, each being connected to a respective one of the leg pulleys, and a driving unit provided at the main body and connected with the wires in order to provide the wires with tensile force for rotating the respective leg pulleys.

Abstract: A walking assistance method may include receiving at least one abnormal gait type selected from a plurality of abnormal gait types, and differently controlling a walking assistance apparatus based on the at least one abnormal gait type. Therefore, the walking assistance method may effectively assist various types of abnormal gaits.

Abstract: The gait rehabilitation control system according to the present invention comprises an operation device unit for setting gait training mode of a patient and displaying gait state information of the patient; a gait device unit worn on the patient's feet so as to move along with the gait motion of the patient; and a control unit for driving the gait device unit according to the gait training mode set by the operation device unit, wherein the control unit comprises a gait pattern analysis unit for measuring reaction force between the patient's feet and the gait device unit, and analyzing the gait pattern of the patient with the data of the reaction force.

Abstract: A motion control system includes an actuator having an actuation member, the actuation member having a proximal end attached to the actuator on a first side of a joint and a distal end attached to an anchor element attachment point on a second side of the joint. A first sensor is configured to output signals defining a gait cycle and a second sensor is configured to output signals representing a tensile force in the at least one actuation member. A controller receives the output signals from the sensors and actuates the actuator, during a first portion of the gait cycle, to apply a force greater than a predetermined threshold tensile force to the anchor element attachment point via the actuation member to generate a beneficial moment about the joint and to automatically actuate the actuator.

Abstract: Implementations involve a shoulder exoskeleton having a spherical parallel manipulator with a plurality of parallel linear actuators connected to a base coupled to a user's arm. A passive slip mechanism is operatively coupled to the spherical parallel manipulator as well as being coupled to the user's arm. The slip mechanism increases system mobility and prevents joint misalignment caused by the translational motion of the user's glenohumeral joint from introducing mechanical interference.

Abstract: A apparatus includes an a exoskeleton system with a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicating a current motion and a current arrangement of at least the exoskeleton system, a hip segment, and at least one lower limb. The lower limb includes thigh and shank segments for coupling to a lateral surface of a user's leg. The thigh segment includes a first powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the hip segment, a second powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the shank segment, and a controller coupled to the sensors, the first powered joint, and the second powered joint. The controller is configured for determining a current state of the exoskeleton system and a current intent of the user based on the signals and generating control signals for the first and second powered joints based on the current state and the current intent.

Abstract: A lower limb of an exoskeleton or a bipedal robot, having a thigh segment (1), a leg segment (3) and a foot (4). The leg segment includes two connecting rods (3a, 3b) having proximal ends that are articulated along parallel axes on the thigh segment, the two connecting rods having distal ends articulated along parallel axes on the foot.

Abstract: Apparatus for locomotion therapy is provided which includes a base (11), a first table portion (15) and a tilting mechanism (12, 13) to tilt said first table portion (15) between a horizontal position, an inclined or a vertical position. A foot mechanism (16) is mounted to the first table portion (15). Furthermore, the position of a second table portion (17) is adjustable with respect to the first table portion (15) to adapt the apparatus to patients of different heights.

Abstract: Provided is a walking aid device capable of easily offering walking training by aiding the oscillation of the user's pelvis. The walking aid device comprises a drive part which supports each of at least two or more locations of the user's lumbar region, and applies external force independently to each of the supported locations; a gait recognition unit which recognizes the user's gait; and a control unit which sets the user's ideal walking motion pattern based on a recognition result of the gait recognition unit, and controls the external force applied by the drive part to each of the locations of the lumbar region so that the user's pelvis position within the lumbar region will oscillate to match the walking motion pattern.

Abstract: Provided are an assistance device, an assistance garment, and an assistance method that enable easy replacement of a part of structure, suppression of fatigue of a wearer, and reduction of a load in an action of the wearer, without requiring time and effort for putting on and taking off. An assistance device 1 is provided on a garment and reduces a load in an action of a wearer 5. The assistance device 1 is provided with an assisting part 10 that is replaceable and applies force for assisting the an action to the body of the wearer 5 by changing flexibility, and an assist-control part 12 that controls the flexibility.

Abstract: A Trunk Support Trainer (TruST) is a dynamic device that trains subjects to improve strength and coordination of the upper body, while seated, and facilitates the trunk to safely move beyond the region of stability. In embodiments, the device creates an ‘assist-as-needed’ force field to support postures beyond stable sitting positions.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body. A seat back is adapted to be mounted adjacent to the seat bottom. At least one actuator is oriented in a region of one of the seat bottom and the seat back to adjust a seating position. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator and is programmed to receive input indicative of a total travel time or distance, and adjust the seating position after a predetermined portion of the total travel time or distance to limit occupant discomfort.