Robotic Exoskeleton From: NASA TechBriefs Insider - 02/20/2007 Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M, Ann Arbor, MI) developed a robotic exoskeleton controlled by the wearer's own nervous system that could help users regain limb function. Healthy subjects first wore the exoskeleton to measure how the device affected ankle function before researchers tested the device on disabled patients. Electrodes are attached to the wearer's leg and electrical signals received from the brain are translated into movement by the exoskeleton. The U-M team has no plans to build a commercial exoskeleton, but their results suggest promising applications for rehabilitation and physical therapy. "This could benefit stroke patients or patients with incomplete injuries of the spinal cord," said Daniel Ferris, associate professor in movement science at U-M. "For patients that can walk slowly, a brace like this may help them walk faster and more effectively." --- A robotic exoskeleton controlled by the wearer's own nervous system could someday help users regain limb function, say U-M researchers. The robotic ankle fits over a user's leg and makes walking easier. Though not available to patients, the device may lead to breakthrough machines for those whose nervous systems have been impaired by strokes, injuries, or other problems. --- For more information see: Robotic exoskeleton replaces muscle work http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=3157 http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/uom-rer020807.php Links: Daniel Ferris http://www.kines.umich.edu/faculty/full-time/ferris.html Video: http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2007/Feb07/exoskeleton-vids Journal Article: Learning to Walk with a Robotic Ankle Exoskeleton http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T82-4MYMP37-1&_user=99318&_coverDate=02%2F02%2F2007&_alid=534579425&_rdoc=4&_fmt=full&_orig=search&_cdi=5074&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=855&_acct=C000007678&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=99318&md5=d3fb53608d5517ebd45afeea1c58a6d2