Exoskeleton For Walking – Solution for Restoring Mobility

For the majority of individuals, walking is an inherent and automatic ability. However, numerous individuals are unable to walk due to various factors, such as spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological disorders.

This inability to walk can result in significant emotional and physical strain, as prolonged loss of physical independence can severely impact a person’s well-being. A potential solution to this issue is the development and implementation of “exoskeletons for walking.”

Exoskeleton for walking is a groundbreaking piece of wearable technology that was designed to restore mobility to the patient. The human body is made to walk and stand, tasks that wheelchair users are unable to perform anymore. Thus the use of Exoskeleton can provide a solution in helping the users in regaining the sense of walking. 

In a way, it merges engineering and medical science in order to create a piece of device that would help patients to move again to help them get back some of that lost independence.

Understanding exoskeleton technology

Exoskeletons are biomechatronic devices that are integrated with the user’s body, functioning as a “wearable” robot (Pons,2008)  In the case of exoskeleton technology, it works the same way because it is a piece of device that is worn around the body that provides support and assistance to individuals with mobility challenges.

Exoskeleton (Robotics) – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (2019). Sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/exoskeleton-robotics

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Key components of an exoskeleton

Frame

Exoskeletons for walking are designed to be lightweight but they must have the durability to support your body.

In this case, the material for the exoskeleton is usually made with either aluminum or carbon fiber.

These materials will ensure that the exoskeleton is strong enough to support the patient while being comfortable to wear around the body.

Power Source

In order for the exoskeleton to give assistance in moving your body, it must have a reliable source of power.

Because of this, most of the powered exoskeleton uses rechargeable batteries for the motor and actuators to function.

Control system

Most exoskeletons would include complex sensors and software to monitor the patient’s movement.

These sensors and software would work together to help with stable mobility. An example would be the sensor would detect the shift in weight and balance which will signal the software to do the needed adjustments.

Advantage of using exoskeleton for walking

Enhanced Physical Strength

Exoskeletons are designed to provide users with additional physical support, enabling them to perform movements that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

For individuals with weakened muscles due to injury or illness, the exoskeleton acts as a mechanical booster, allowing them to regain strength and execute tasks like standing, walking, or lifting with greater ease and efficiency.

Improved Mobility for Rehabilitation

For patients undergoing physical rehabilitation, regaining mobility is often a gradual and challenging process. Exoskeletons play a vital role in this journey by guiding the body through natural walking motions and ensuring proper alignment.

The use of exoskeletons also enables physiotherapists to be able to conduct longer and more intensive rehabilitation sessions that might not be physically possible with the conventional devices used in rehabilitation gyms. 

This not only helps strengthen muscles but also teaches the nervous system how to move efficiently.

By simulating correct movement patterns, exoskeletons can accelerate the recovery process and enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

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Boosted Productivity

Mobility challenges often limit a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, which can impact their productivity and overall quality of life.

Exoskeletons help bridge this gap by reducing the physical effort required for movement, allowing users to focus more on their activities rather than struggling with their limitations.

Whether it’s aiding a patient in their daily routine or assisting in physically demanding environments, exoskeletons empower users to be more independent and productive.

Tailored to Individual Needs

Modern exoskeletons are highly adaptable and can be customized to suit the specific requirements of the user.

Whether it’s adjusting the fit for comfort, programming the device to support certain movements, or tailoring the exoskeleton to a particular rehabilitation goal, this versatility ensures that users get the most effective and personalized assistance.

Such customization makes the device suitable for a wide range of individuals, from patients with mobility impairments to professionals needing extra support in demanding jobs.

Read more about the advantages of exoskeleton here.

Application of Walking Exoskeletons

1. Medical Rehabilitation

Walking exoskeletons play a crucial role in medical rehabilitation by aiding individuals recovering from mobility-related injuries such as spinal cord injuries or strokes. 

These devices facilitate controlled, repetitive movements that help retrain the body and improve motor functions. 

By supporting proper posture and gait patterns, exoskeletons enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy sessions and accelerate recovery. 

They provide a safe and structured way for patients to regain strength, coordination, and confidence in their movements.

2. Industrial Labor Work

In industries involving heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks, workers often face significant risks of injuries caused by repetitive strain and overexertion. 

Walking exoskeletons offer a practical solution by reducing the physical strain on workers. These devices provide additional support to the lower back, legs, and core, enabling employees to handle demanding tasks more safely and efficiently. 

By mitigating the risk of workplace injuries, exoskeletons contribute to improved worker well-being, reduced downtime, and enhanced productivity in industrial environments.

3. Personal Use

For individuals with mobility impairments due to conditions such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or age-related decline, walking exoskeletons offer a transformative solution. 

These devices help users navigate their surroundings with greater ease and independence, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing less challenging. 

By providing mechanical assistance and restoring mobility, exoskeletons significantly improve the quality of life and enable individuals to regain their autonomy and confidence.

This versatile application of walking exoskeletons highlights their potential to enhance lives across diverse scenarios, from medical rehabilitation to industrial use and personal mobility support.

Challenges of using exoskeleton for walking

While exoskeleton offers many advantages in helping patients with mobility issues get back on their feet, there are still some difficulties that need to be addressed.

High Cost

The main issue is that the cost for walking exoskeleton is high. These devices are often found with a high price tag due to the amount of advanced technology placed in the device.

Because of this, for many patients the financial burden can be prohibitive, this is limiting the accessibility to those who need them most.

Limited Accessibility

Exoskeleton technology is a fairly new technology which would mean that the availability of this technology is limited only to developed regions and specialized medical facilities.

This makes it not accessible for a significant portion of the global population.

Comfort

While many considerations have been made to improve the comfort of using exoskeletons, many users still have expressed their discomfort when using them for a long period of time. 

The devices also require precise adjustments and may not accommodate all body types or levels of impairment, which can limit their usability.

Dependency on battery

As of now, most powered exoskeletons depend on the use of rechargeable batteries to power their motors and sensors. 

This dependency on battery limits the duration of use making it hard to use the device for long rehabilitation sessions.

To overcome this, ongoing research and development are focusing on creating more affordable, lightweight, and adaptable exoskeletons.

Conclusion

Exoskeleton for walking is one of the most impressive pieces of technological advancement we have in terms of giving assistance to mobility rehabilitation.

There is potential for this technology to improve in multiple areas in our lives such as medical rehabilitation, industrial usage and personal usage.

However, as of now there are still some challenges that need to be addressed such as the high cost, limited accessibility and usability concerns . 

By addressing these limitations through continuous research, innovation, and collaborative efforts it can lead to having these walking exoskeleton to be more accessible, affordable, and effective.

If you are searching for rehabilitation with the use of exoskeleton, visit us at kjtherapysg.com or contact us to learn more about how we can support your needs.