Abstract: A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator body can be formed from an elastic material that includes an inflatable chamber and a restraining component, such as flexible, but inextensible fibers, that causes the actuator to contract when the chamber is inflated with fluid (e.g., air or water). The actuator body can be cylindrical or flat. The actuator body can include a sensor layer formed of an elastic material including a microchannel filled with a conductive fluid to sense the expansion of the actuator body. The sensor layer can be configured to expand when the actuator body is inflated causing the electrical resistance of the conductive fluid to change. A sensor layer between the actuator body and restraining component can be used to measure changes in the contraction force of the actuator and a sensor layer outside of the restraining component can be used to measure changes in the length of the actuator.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method of enabling rehabilitation of bodily control of a user comprising the acts of: integrating the user within a multi-module robotic system, the multi-module robotic system comprising modules of a flexible exosuit, a support module, a mobile base, or a combination thereof, applying one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof on the user, based on one or more subtask-specific functions of the modules, to cause a developing of one or more subtasks of the bodily control, and managing control of one or more remaining subtasks of the bodily control by the modules in place of at least in part, the user while applying the one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method of enabling rehabilitation of bodily control of a user comprising the acts of: integrating the user within a multi-module robotic system, the multi-module robotic system comprising modules of a flexible exosuit, a support module, a mobile base, or a combination thereof, applying one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof on the user, based on one or more subtask-specific functions of the modules, to cause a developing of one or more subtasks of the bodily control, and managing control of one or more remaining subtasks of the bodily control by the modules in place of at least in part, the user while applying the one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator body can be formed from an elastic material that includes an inflatable chamber and a restraining component, such as flexible, but inextensible fibers, that causes the actuator to contract when the chamber is inflated with fluid (e.g., air or water). The actuator body can be cylindrical or flat. The actuator body can include a sensor layer formed of an elastic material including a microchannel filled with a conductive fluid to sense the expansion of the actuator body. The sensor layer can be configured to expand when the actuator body is inflated causing the electrical resistance of the conductive fluid to change. A sensor layer between the actuator body and restraining component can be used to measure changes in the contraction force of the actuator and a sensor layer outside of the restraining component can be used to measure changes in the length of the actuator.

Abstract: A flexible orthotic device includes two or more active components embedded in a sheet material. Each active component can include a controller and one or more actuation elements controlled by the controller. The two or more active components can communicate with each other and cause the active components to contract and dynamically change the structural characteristics of the orthotic device. By coordinating the motion of two or more active components, the flexible orthotic device can be programmed to assist or resist the motion of a subject wearing the device. The orthotic device can be effectively employed to provide locomotion assistance, gait rehabilitation, and gait training. Similarly, the orthotic device may be applied to the wrist, elbow, torso, or any other body part. The active components may be actuated to effectively transmit force to a body part, such as a limb, to assist with movement when desired.

Abstract: An actively controlled orthotic device includes active components that dynamically change the structural characteristics of the orthotic device according to the orientation and locomotion of the corresponding body part, or according to the changing needs of the subject over a period of use. Accordingly, the orthotic device can be effectively employed to provide locomotion assistance, gait rehabilitation, and gait training. Similarly, the orthotic device may be applied to the wrist, elbow, torso, or any other body part. The active components may be actuated to effectively transmit force to a body part, such as a limb, to assist with movement when desired. Additionally or alternatively, the active components may also be actuated to provide support of varying rigidity for the corresponding body part.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing or monitoring sucking/swallowing/breathing competence of an impaired neonate or post-operative infant, wherein a processor receives a sensed signal from a breath sensor, and develops an output for intraoral tactile or flow control feedback. In a feeding or monitoring embodiment, the processor applies the signal to control a liquid feeding valve which supplies nutrients through a feeding nipple. In various control regimens, the processor acts as a safety device and operates to restrict or close the valve to reduce flow when slowing or cessation of breath is detected, or acts as a training device to set or pace, or initially to develop basic competence, at an appropriate rate. In further embodiments, the processor also receives a signal from an intraoral suction transducer or muscle pressure gauge, and operates to control flow to a level appropriate to the available sucking activity, or to change the level to maintain a stable and non-slowing breath rate.