Abstract: An apparatus includes a first cable, a first motor configured to provide first tension to the first cable, a second cable coupled to the first cable at an end effector, and a second motor configured to provide second tension to the second cable. The first cable and the second cable are routed such that the first tension and the second tension combine to provide a force on the end effector. At least one of the first tension or the second tension is directed at least partially in a downward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first cable, a first motor configured to provide first tension to the first cable, a second cable coupled to the first cable at an end effector, and a second motor configured to provide second tension to the second cable. The first cable and the second cable are routed such that the first tension and the second tension combine to provide a force on the end effector. At least one of the first tension or the second tension is directed at least partially in a downward direction.

Abstract: A method of varying a dynamic resistive force during a strength training exercise includes receiving a selection of the strength training exercise from a set of available strength training exercises and obtaining exercise logic for the strength training exercise from computer memory. The exercise logic provides instructions for generating a vector that defines the dynamic resistive force provided at an end effector of a strength training apparatus during the strength training exercise. The method includes determining a real-time geometric arrangement of a plurality of cables coupled to the end effector, generating, based on the real-time geometric arrangement of the plurality of cables and the exercise logic, time-varying operating setpoints for a plurality of actuator assemblies coupled to the plurality of cables, and exerting the dynamic resistive force at the end effector by controlling the plurality of actuator assemblies in accordance with the time-varying operating setpoints.

Abstract: A method of varying a dynamic resistive force during a strength training exercise includes receiving a selection of the strength training exercise from a set of available strength training exercises and obtaining exercise logic for the strength training exercise from computer memory. The exercise logic provides instructions for generating a vector that defines the dynamic resistive force provided at an end effector of a strength training apparatus during the strength training exercise. The method includes determining a real-time geometric arrangement of a plurality of cables coupled to the end effector, generating, based on the real-time geometric arrangement of the plurality of cables and the exercise logic, time-varying operating setpoints for a plurality of actuator assemblies coupled to the plurality of cables, and exerting the dynamic resistive force at the end effector by controlling the plurality of actuator assemblies in accordance with the time-varying operating setpoints.

Abstract: A cable-based exercise system. A chassis is provided to house the actuators. A force plate sits on top of this chassis. A bar configured for gripping by a user is provided. The bar has a first end and a second end. Two or more cables are connected to each end of the bar. Each cable connects an end of the bar to a drive motor. Each drive motor can be independently controlled. A central processor is preferably provided to receive sensory inputs and control the drive motors.

Abstract: A cable-based exercise system. A chassis is provided to house the actuators. A force plate sits on top of this chassis. A bar configured for gripping by a user is provided. The bar has a first end and a second end. Two or more cables are connected to each end of the bar. Each cable connects an end of the bar to a drive motor. Each drive motor can be independently controlled. A central processor is preferably provided to receive sensory inputs and control the drive motors.

Abstract: An exercise device where force is applied by computer-controlled actuators. The programmable nature of the force application allows the device to simulate weight-training devices and other useful exercise devices.

Abstract: An exercise device where force is applied by computer-controlled actuators. The programmable nature of the force application allows the device to simulate weight-training devices and other useful exercise devices.

Abstract: A cable-based exercise system. A chassis is provided to house the actuators. A force plate sits on top of this chassis. A bur configured for gripping by a user is provided. The bar has a first end and a second end. Two or more cables are connected to each end of the bar. Each cable connects an end of the bar to a drive motor. Each drive motor can be independently controlled. A central processor is preferably provided to receive sensory inputs and control the drive motors.

Abstract: A wearable robotic device configured to provide exercise for a human user. A primary use of the device is to address muscle and bone density loss for astronauts spending extended periods in microgravity. In one configuration the device applies a compressive force between a users feet and torso. This force acts very generally like gravity—forcing the user to exert a reactive force. The compressive force is precisely controlled using a processor running software so that a virtually endless variety of force applications are possible. For example, the wearable device can be configured to apply a gravity-simulating force throughout the device's range of motion. The robotic device may also be configurable for non-wearable uses. In these cases the robotic device may act as an exercise machine. The programmable nature of the force application allows the device to simulate weight-training devices and other useful exercise devices.

Abstract: A bipedal exoskeleton configured to be worn by a human user. The exoskeleton includes a soft “backpack”-style harness that interfaces primarily with the user's waist, back, and shoulders. A chassis is provided to mount two positively-driven legs. Each leg includes features that are analogous to a human leg—a hip joint, a thigh, a knee joint, a calf, and a foot plate. Each leg of the exoskeleton is physically connected to one of the human user's legs. A thigh cuff is used to connect to the user's thigh. A shin cuff is used to connect to the user's calf. A foot plate rests beneath the sole of the user's foot. Power actuators are provided in the exoskeleton's hip and knee joints, and possibly additional locations. A user interface is provided in one or more locations so that the user can control desired functions of the exoskeleton.