Bionic Technology for Mobility Assistance
From: IEEE EMBS Presentation - 06/20/2007

Powered mobility assistance devices, sometimes called active orthotics,
bionics, bio-robotics, or exoskeletons, could have a tremendous impact on the
quality of life for those with impaired mobility. Advances in embedded
computing, lightweight batteries, and motor control electronics provide some
of the needed technologies, but the field has developed slowly while waiting
for a suitable actuator that meets all of the key requirements: 1) Strong
enough to lift a person, 2) Small and light enough to fit under the clothing
3) Coupling/gearing to provide a range of speed/torque tradeoffs as well as
free movement, and 4) Highly efficient operation to power the device for a
full day with a small battery.  

Tibion has been developing actuators, electronics and embedded software to
address the requirements for active orthotic devices. The development has
included fabrication and testing of many types of actuators to deliver the
required forces while minimizing size and weight. The evolution of the design
requirements and solutions will be presented through photos, video and
analysis of this series of prototypes. These devices are based on new types
of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that provide the variable
impedance needed for bionic applications. The actuators deliver sufficient
force to aid in rising from a chair, the ability to deliver assistance force
while moving quickly, and unimpeded motion during the swing phase of the
gait. The discussion will include many aspects of developing an active knee
device using a CVT actuator. 

Robert Horst is Chief Technology Officer at Tibion Corporation, a company he
co-founded in 2002. He holds an BSEE degree from Bradley University, a MSEE
from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD in computer
science also from the University of Illinois. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and
holds 65 US patents. 

The PowerKnee 

The PowerKnee is an active orthotic device under development at Tibion. The
device provides active assistance, resistance, and rehabilitation of knee
function for those with impaired mobility and is constructed with Tibion's
patented actuator technology, an embedded computer system, sensors, and a
software control system. The result is a transparently activated,
sensor-driven device which greatly enhances mobility and rehabilitation.  

Links:
Tibion website:
http://www.tibion.com/index.html