Emerging Technology – Self-Powered Exosuits
Research efforts in the past decade have proposed relatively functional powered exoskeletons/exosuits to assist mobility of impaired individuals during ambulation.
A powered exoskeleton, also known as powered armor, exoframe, or exosuit, is a mobile machine consisting primarily of an outer framework (akin to an insect’s exoskeleton) worn by a person, and powered by a system of motors, hydraulics, pneumatics or levers that delivers at least part of the energy for limb movement. The term “exoskeleton” and “exosuits” may be used interchangeably. Here we mostly use the term “exosuit” to emphasize that the external frame might be made of soft wearable components.