We assessed to what extent a benchmark exoskeleton reduces spine loading and changes body kinematics during static trunk bending and during lifting. Additionally, we investigated how it affects perceived comfort, effort, performance, and metabolic energy consumption during functional activities such as walking and stair climbing. Based on these data, biomechanical requirements for the spexor passive […]
The SPEXOR monitoring system is now linked with the full-body dynamical model providing insight into the musculoskeletal stress parameters. Further optimization for real-time processing and feedback are being addressed.
The controller for engagement and disengagement of the hip spring is developed. It is based on the probabilistic model of the human motion that classifies whether the user requires the support of the exoskeleton or the exoskeleton should remain disengaged to allow free motion.
At the end of the second year of SPEXOR, the consortium met at Ottobock Healthcare in Vienna on February 26-27, 2018.
In the recent article, Machining News referred to SPEXOR as one of the forerunner in the area of exoskeleton development to “enable industrial workers to stay fit and healthy for longer—up to retirement—and provide ergonomic support for heavy manual labour
We evaluated our optimized stress monitoring system, consisting of pressure insoles and inertial sensors, by comparing its performance to a laboratory grade system in a mock-up of realistic working conditions. Sensor outcomes and resultant low back load measures were compared between systems. The system was found to meet standards in accordance with the previously defined […]
We organized a workshop titled Exoskeleton design through optimization and adaptive control at the IEEE RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots (HUMANOIDS 2017) that were held in Birmingham, UK during November 15-17, 2017. The aim of the workshop was to bridge the gap between optimality principles and adaptive control to create a new generation of […]
The consortium successfully presented the progress of their work at the first review meeting at VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands on October 5, 2017.
In recent work UHEI led efforts towards the modeling of a passive spinal exoskeleton, and simulating the interaction between the human user and the exoskeleton (Millard et al. 2017, Manns et al. 2017, Harant et al. 2017). These results build upon earlier contributions of a dynamic whole body human model which is used as a […]
Ready for use, OBG accomplished the first functional prototype of the musculoskeletal stress monitoring system. Looking forward for research, implementation and validation of the SPEXOR biomechanical models with the prototype.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 687662.