Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system/apparatus for storing, use in therapy, and transporting a (bionic) exoskeleton. The apparatus includes a frame comprising a plurality of legs, a seat, and a back which are operable for being moved between one or more configurations. The seat of the frame defines a seat surface configured for engagement with an exoskeleton. Furthermore, the back of the frame is operably engaged with the seat such that the back of the frame may be folded over, into, or extended from the frame to reduce an overall profile size of the apparatus in a collapsed or folded configuration. The apparatus may further include a pair of footrests defined along the legs that rotate in a lateral direction relative to the frame for the patients ease of transition into the exoskeleton. The frame also includes a locking mechanism that aids to from a storage configuration or a ready configuration.

Abstract: A soft-inflatable exosuit for knee rehabilitation is fabricated in two different beam-like structures (I and O cross-section actuators) and mechanically characterized for their torque performance in knee-extension assistance. The fabrication procedure of both types of actuators is presented as well as their integration into a light-weight, low-cost and body-conforming interface. To detect the activation duration of the device during the gait cycle, a soft-silicone insole with embedded force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) is used. In evaluation studies, the soft inflatable exosuit device is tested for its ability to reduce muscle activity during the swing phase of the knee. Using sEMG (surface electromyography) sensors, the rectus femoris muscle group of a healthy individual is recorded while walking on a treadmill at a constant speed, with and without the soft device.

Abstract: A soft-inflatable exosuit for knee rehabilitation is fabricated in two different beam-like structures (I and O cross-section actuators) and mechanically characterized for their torque performance in knee-extension assistance. The fabrication procedure of both types of actuators is presented as well as their integration into a light-weight, low-cost and body-conforming interface. To detect the activation duration of the device during the gait cycle, a soft-silicone insole with embedded force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) is used. In evaluation studies, the soft inflatable exosuit device is tested for its ability to reduce muscle activity during the swing phase of the knee. Using sEMG (surface electromyography) sensors, the rectus femoris muscle group of a healthy individual is recorded while walking on a treadmill at a constant speed, with and without the soft device.