Article
Automation & Control Systems
Wei Qian, Junbei Liao, Linjun Lu, Letian Ai, Miao Li, Xiaohui Xiao, Zhao Guo
Summary: This article introduces a lightweight, comfortable, cable-driven, and compliant upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robot. It features modular series elastic actuators that provide controlled torque for each active joint, with Bowden cables transferring torque to distal joints. The system has a large range of motion and can provide accurate torque control for stroke patients' requirements. A comprehensive rehabilitation strategy, including robot-in-charge mode and human-in-charge mode, was developed for different recovery stages. Finally, a virtual reality training system was developed to assist subjects in efficient upper limb rehabilitation.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Yaron Franco, Amir Degani
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in robots with compliant elements. Modeling their dynamics can be challenging, and the commonly used methods have their limitations. In this paper, we propose a new method called discrete body dynamics (DBD) which offers quick and accurate solutions, especially for systems with compliant elements. We compare the results of the DBD method to those of other methods and demonstrate its effectiveness.
MULTIBODY SYSTEM DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Simon Christensen, Xuerong Li, Shaoping Bai
Summary: This paper develops a model for studying the physical interaction between exoskeletons and the human body, to reduce muscle loading and energy consumption while maintaining safe human-robot interaction.
MODELING IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Muhammad Ahsan Gull, Thomas Bak, Shaoping Bai
Summary: The study presents a dynamic model of a hybrid exoskeleton that passively supports the human shoulder joint and actively supports human forearm movements. Results show that the assistive torque provided by the exoskeleton reduces the effort on the upper arm and peak torque of the forearm, demonstrating the efficacy of the model in simulation and analysis of human-exoskeleton systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Lukas Bergmann, Oliver Lueck, Daniel Voss, Philipp Buschermoehle, Lin Liu, Steffen Leonhardt, Chuong Ngo
Summary: This study presents the design of a new lower limb exoskeleton with variable stiffness actuators for compliant coupling. By using a nonlinear state estimation method, the subject's motion intention can be accurately estimated, providing more robust results.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Nauman Masud, Sajid Rafique, Christian Smith, Magnus Isaksson
Summary: This paper proposes a detailed design of a new lower body exoskeleton that aims to improve the physical human-robotic interaction performance by utilizing recently developed techniques. The design includes the structural design, new joint assemblies, and novel 3-D passive, compliant supports. The paper also presents a methodology for selecting and verifying the joint actuators and estimating the desired assistive forces based on human user joint torque requirements. Additionally, a new control architecture and strategy for force tracking control of the exoskeleton are presented.
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
David Feller
Summary: This article presents the solution to the inverse and forward kinematics of a novel robot design that combines serial and parallel architecture. The solution is derived using spherical trigonometry and spatial vector geometry and provides a unique and efficient solution. The derived robot kinematics are verified through a 3D simulation model.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stefano Dalla Gasperina, Marta Gandolla, Valeria Longatelli, Mattia Panzenbeck, Beatrice Luciani, Francesco Braghin, Alessandra Pedrocchi
Summary: In this study, we present the AGREE exoskeleton, a robotic device designed for upper-limb rehabilitation in post-stroke survivors. We describe the design of the exoskeleton, including its mechatronics, actuation, and control aspects. The AGREE exoskeleton features a lightweight and adaptable mechanical design, with three degrees-of-freedom at the shoulder and one at the elbow, supporting both the right and left arm. The device incorporates a spring-pulley anti-gravity system and torque sensors on each joint for safe and smooth interaction with the user. The AGREE control system utilizes a loadcell-based impedance control method, enabling various modes of human-robot interaction.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND BIONICS
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Jun Pan, Davide Astarita, Andrea Baldoni, Filippo Dell'Agnello, Simona Crea, Nicola Vitiello, Emilio Trigili
Summary: This letter presents the design and characterization of an upper-limb exoskeleton for post-stroke rehabilitation. The exoskeleton features four active joints driven by series elastic actuators, allowing interaction with the shoulder and elbow of the user. It also incorporates a passive kinematic chain and a flipping mechanism for dual-side use. Experimental results demonstrate its suitability for rehabilitation purposes.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bridget Schabron, Jaydip Desai, Yimesker Yihun
Summary: The study presents an adaptive controller mechanism trained by an artificial neural network using sEMG signals from the forearm to detect hand gestures and navigate an upper limb robotic exoskeleton mounted on a wheelchair based on user's intent. The trained network achieved high accuracy, allowing participants without prior experience to successfully perform tasks using the proposed mechanism.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Mingxiang Ling, Xianmin Zhang
Summary: Piezoelectrically actuated compliant mechanisms play a crucial role in designing micro/nano manipulators, precision positioning stages/grippers, and various mechanical instruments. A new modeling methodology has been proposed to capture the coupling dynamic characteristics of such complex systems, allowing for accurate analysis and transformation into a control block diagram for problem-solving.
MECHANISM AND MACHINE THEORY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ildar Kagirov, Alexander Kapustin, Irina Kipyatkova, Konstantin Klyuzhev, Alexander Kudryavcev, Igor Kudryavcev, Yury Loskutov, Dmitry Ryumin, Alexey Karpov
Summary: This article introduces the intelligent control system of the lower limb medical exoskeleton Remotion, focusing on simulation, modeling, and testing. The main parts of the system include drives control system, bimodal user interface, and walking pattern control system.
SIMULATION MODELLING PRACTICE AND THEORY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Ahsan Gull, Mikkel Thoegersen, Stefan Hein Bengtson, Mostafa Mohammadi, Lotte N. S. Andreasen Struijk, Thomas B. Moeslund, Thomas Bak, Shaoping Bai
Summary: This article presents a mechanical design of a four degrees of freedom (DOF) wheelchair mounted upper limb exoskeleton that takes advantage of a non-backdrivable mechanism to assist completely paralyzed users. Additionally, a PD-based trajectory tracking control is implemented to enhance the exoskeleton system's performance for different tasks. Preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed design for physically disabled individuals.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Joao Pedro Pinho, Arturo Forner-Cordero
Summary: Using a commercial exoskeleton for different shoulder positions can reduce electromyographic activity in the Medial Deltoid and Anterior Deltoid muscles, while increasing co-contraction in the Anterior Deltoid/Triceps Brachii. Wearing the exoskeleton can prolong task completion time for task B and reduce perceived effort for tasks A and C, improving overall comfort.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Honggang Wang, Junlong Guo, Shuo Pei, Jiajia Wang, Yufeng Yao
Summary: This study proposes a generic modeling and motion extraction method, P-BTBS, for human upper limb. It follows the physiology of upper limbs, allows high accuracy of motion angles, and describes upper-limb motions with high accuracy. Experiments validated the excellent performance and robustness of P-BTBS in extracting motion information and describing upper-limb motions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Nauman Masud, Christian Smith, Magnus Isaksson
Review
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Rakesh Krishnan, Niclas Bjorsell, Elena M. Gutierrez-Farewik, Christian Smith
MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
(2019)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Nauman Masud, Per Mattsson, Christian Smith, Magnus Isaksson
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Binbin Su, Christian Smith, Elena Gutierrez Farewik
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Longbin Zhang, Yixing Liu, Ruoli Wang, Christian Smith, Elena M. Gutierrez-Farewik
Summary: This study presents a realistic human knee exoskeleton model based on a physical system and its application in musculoskeletal modeling software. Different assistive strategies applied during simulated gaits have varying effects on the user's physiological burden, highlighting the importance of considering joint direction and interaction forces when designing controllers for physical exoskeleton systems.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROROBOTICS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Longbin Zhang, Zhijun Li, Yingbai Hu, Christian Smith, Elena M. Gutierrez Farewik, Ruoli Wang
Summary: This article compared the performance of predicting ankle joint torques using EMG-driven neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) model and artificial neural network (ANN) model, finding that the NMS model generally outperformed the ANN model in predicting ankle joint torques with some exceptions. The study highlighted the importance of detailed comparative analysis in determining the most suitable model for exoskeleton control strategies.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Matteo Iovino, Jonathan Styrud, Pietro Falco, Christian Smith
Summary: The study proposes a method using genetic programming to learn the structure of a behavior tree for solving robotic tasks in unpredictable environments. After learning with a simple simulator, it is demonstrated that the learned behavior trees can solve the same tasks in a realistic simulator.
2021 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION (ICRA 2021)
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yi-Xing Liu, Longbin Zhang, Ruoli Wang, Christian Smith, Elena M. Gutierrez-Farewik
Summary: The study focused on how weight distributions of knee exoskeleton components affect muscle activities, showing that different weight distributions lead to varied muscle activities. The design of exoskeletons should ideally take into consideration the user's activity goals and abilities, as there is no one-size-fits-all design for all movements.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Silvia Cruciani, Kaiyu Hang, Christian Smith, Danica Kragic
2019 IEEE-RAS 19TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMANOID ROBOTS (HUMANOIDS)
(2019)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Silvia Cruciani, Christian Smith, Danica Kragic, Kaiyu Hang
2018 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS (IROS)
(2018)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Silvia Cruciani, Christian Smith
2018 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS (IROS)
(2018)
Proceedings Paper
Robotics
Rakesh Krishnan, Silvia Cruciani, Elena Gutierrez-Farewik, Niclas Bjorsell, Christian Smith
2018 IEEE-RAS 18TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMANOID ROBOTS (HUMANOIDS)
(2018)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Ran Jiao, Wenjie Liu, Ramy Rashad, Jianfeng Li, Mingjie Dong, Stefano Stramigioli
Summary: A novel end-effector bilateral rehabilitation robotic system (EBReRS) is developed for upper limb rehabilitation of patients with hemiplegia, providing simulations of multiple bimanual coordinated training modes, showing potential for application in home rehabilitation.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Qiaosheng Pan, Yifang Zhang, Xiaozhu Chen, Quan Wang, Qiangxian Huang
Summary: A resonant piezoelectric rotary motor using parallel moving gears mechanism has been proposed and tested, showing high power output and efficiency.