comparison-of-exoskeletons | Bionics

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Comparison of Exoskeletons

exoskeleton-exohiker Exoskeletons are bionic devices that a user can wear to increase strength in terms of lifting or endurance. There are currently three main manufacturers. They are Berkely Bionics who are aiming for military use. Honda and Cyberdine have developed their exoskeletons towards assisting the disabled and elderly to walk as well as for injured patients during rehabilitation. Perhaps these devices could soon completely replace wheel chairs.

Berkely Bionics currently manufactures three generations of exoskelton products — the ExoHiker, the ExoClimber and the latest model called HULC. After a person slips their feet into the boots, they can carry 150 pounds on his or her back with minimal effort. The user’s agility is preserved while running or even when kicking (karate style). The entire device including the computer, power unit and battery weighs about 31 pounds. Designed for military use these exoskeltons from Berkely Bionics can operate outdoors. The 80 watt-hour battery allows the wearer 21 hours of walking time at an average speed of 2.5 mph, and a small solar panel could potentially power it indefinitely.

limbs-honda-walk-assist Honda has unveiled asimo style robot legs they call the 'walking assist device' that can help the elderly or even workers who work standing or in a crouching position for a long time. The gadget helps by redistributing body weight along its frame and lightening the burden on a workers' real legs. Its designed elderly people and people undergoing rehabilitation who need support for their leg muscles and joints. This device is only designed for home use and Honda does not recommend outdoor use. According to Honda, the device supports a large portion of the person’s body weight while walking, squatting and even climbing stairs. The user simply steps into the device’s built-in shoes and leans back into the high seat. Honda developed the device after researching walking techniques for its humanoid robot, Asimo, and said the device was developed for people who can walk and maneuver on their own, but need a little extra assistance.

And Finally Cyberdyne, Inc. has created HAL, or Hybrid Assistive Limb. The impressive looking white strap-on suit, covers the sides of the arms and legs and the tops of the shoulders. Large blue halos can be seen at the elbows, knees, hips and shoulders. An existing strong fit person is said to double their strength while a weak person can gain strength by a factor of ten. The suit’s functional operating time would allow him to do this for two hours and 40 minutes with a 100-volt AC battery.

limbs-hal-robot-suit This suit works by detecting electrical impulses which are sent from the brain down to the arm’s muscle. According to the Cyberdyne Web site, “very weak biosignals can be detected on the surface of this skin.” Sensors in the exoskeleton can pick up and transmit this information to its internal computer. In response, the computer understands the direction and force of movement intended by the user. Currently, HAL can only be rented by Japanese residents at a cost of about $2,200 per month and a new office has just been set up in Europe. Unfortunately the rest of the worls will have to wait for now.

Yoshiyuki Sankai (the creator) has turned down offers from military organizations. Instead, he rents the technology on a case-by-case basis to the elderly and individuals who are disabled.

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