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Powered Exoskeleton Legs

Posted by michael on from the leap-small-buildings-in-a-single-bound dept.

dyoo78 writes "Berkeley Engineers have come up with an ingenious mechanism that almost mimics, well, Borg technology. Developed by UC Berkeley's Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) consists of mechanical metal leg braces that are connected rigidly to the user at the feet, and, in order to prevent abrasion, more compliantly elsewhere. The device includes a power unit and a backpack-like frame used to carry a large load. This development bring to the forefront the ability to not only carry large loads in wartime efforts, but may possibly help people with limited muscle ability to walk optimally."

3 of 385 comments (clear)

  1. Now that is one sweet video by purduephotog · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Took nearly 2 minutes to download, but watching those short steps around... then finding out that the backpack was loaded with 100lbs.... wow.

    Obviously the future of movement and an important first step, no pun intended.

    So we've got a unit that can carry up to 120lbs of weight. Figure a few more lbs and it may now be able to 'support' a man whos legs no longer work properly. Although this design is based upon feedback from a proper leg to calculate where it is supposed to move/balance.

    The old quote about the yellow pages- let your fingers do the walking- may soon become far more true than you've realized... especially for those born or brought to wheelchair bound.

  2. Centre of balance by dj245 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'd be worried about the centre of gravity on this thing. From the picture, things don't look too good. Sure, the person can carry a huge load. But that load is all on his back, with some of it a foot or more away from his body. If he tips over will the legs be any help getting him upright?

    --
    Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress at this period in history.
  3. What would be really cool... by StressGuy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    is to get this developed to the point where it could replace a wheelchair. The psychological advantage to a person who'd lost the use of his legs to actually stand up and interact with the world "eye to eye" would have to be powerful. It probably also doesn't hurt to keep the muscles moving and the appropriate neural pathways firing.

    Yea, I know, long way to get there from here, but it's a promising first step. Certainly worth some research dollars in my opinion.

    --
    A goal is a dream with a deadline