Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an innovative robotic knee exoskeleton using commercially available knee braces and drone motors. This groundbreaking technology aims to reduce workplace injuries by helping workers maintain proper lifting posture, even when fatigued.
Unlike traditional back exoskeletons, which can be cumbersome and assume improper lifting techniques, these knee exoskeletons focus on strengthening the legs to maintain proper form. By supporting the quadriceps muscles, which provide the bulk of the force in safe squat lifting, the exoskeletons offer a less intrusive and more effective solution to protect workers from back injuries.
The study participants who wore the exoskeletons while lifting weights maintained better posture and lifted faster, even when tired. They were only 1% slower than their pre-fatigued paces, compared to 44% slower without the exoskeletons. This significant improvement in performance demonstrates the potential of this technology to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
With motors and gearing designed to enable a natural gait, the exoskeletons allow users to swing their knees freely, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience as reported by Techxplore. The software plays a crucial role in predicting the assistance needed by measuring the knee joint angle, thigh and lower leg orientations, and force detected by a shoe sensor 150 times per second. This combination of a physics model with machine learning prevents unexpected movements and ensures user safety.
“Rather than directly bracing the back and giving up on proper lifting form, we strengthen the legs to maintain it,” said Robert Gregg, U-M professor of robotics and author of the study. “This differs from what’s more commonly done in industry.”
InterestingEngineering reports that while the current lab prototype costs approximately $4,000 per pair, the estimated cost could be reduced to around $2,000 per pair if produced at scale. The team has applied for patent protection and is seeking partners for commercialization, indicating the potential for wider availability in the future.
As this technology addresses the challenges faced by workers in industries like construction and manufacturing, it has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of back injuries and improve overall productivity. With ongoing research and development, these robotic knee exoskeletons could revolutionize workplace safety and efficiency.
