In an effort to transform mobility for individuals with walking difficulties, researchers at Northern Arizona University have developed a groundbreaking ankle exoskeleton. The technology, which may seem like something from a sci-fi novel, is set to revolutionize how people with mobility challenges navigate their world.
Engineering for Enhanced Mobility
Biomechanical engineer Zach Lerner, driven by personal experiences and a passion for robotics, has dedicated his career to advancing human movement. “It’s actually been something that’s been on my mind for a long time,” Lerner shares, reflecting on his mother’s nerve injury that inspired his journey.
Lerner’s current endeavor, the Spark, is a powered ankle exoskeleton supported by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. This innovative device aims to ease mobility by providing motorized assistance for walking.
Within the Human Performance Lab at NAU, Lerner demonstrates the device by securing carbon-fiber footplates in his shoes. The exoskeleton is powered by battery-operated motors that assist in walking, helping the foot push off and lift the toes. The technology is smart enough to offer more support when necessary, such as during stair climbing.
Lerner describes the experience as invigorating: “It feels springy. It feels like my calf muscles have just consumed a large espresso and they’re just roaring and ready to go.”
Developing Discreet Technology
The aim is to ensure the device remains lightweight and quiet, resembling something more like Luke Skywalker’s hand rather than Iron Man’s suit. “One thing we’ve heard from potential future users of technology like this is that they want these devices to be really transparent, so like unnoticeable,” Lerner explains.
Test participant Ryan Richardson, who has cerebral palsy, recalls the cumbersome braces of his childhood, which he eventually abandoned due to their conspicuous nature. The new design offers a more seamless experience, allowing him to walk faster and with greater ease.
Richardson highlights the benefits, especially in everyday situations like crossing the street where he often finds himself racing against time and impatient traffic. The device also helps navigate obstacles like stairs and uneven surfaces.
The Path to Independence
With roughly one million Americans living with cerebral palsy and countless others affected by mobility issues, the potential impact of powered exoskeletons is profound. Lerner’s lab envisions a future where these devices are as common and unobtrusive as a pair of shoes.
Master’s student Jackson Truitt envisions this future, and PhD student Emmanuella Tagoe believes it represents “independence, complete independence.” Tagoe joined the project with a desire to leverage her skills for societal benefit. “If the work that I do is going to help someone else, I feel like it’s paying that back to society and to the community,” she states.
Apart from the ankle exoskeleton, the team at NAU is exploring similar technology for elbows. With clinical trials underway, they hope to introduce the ankle exoskeleton to the market next year.
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