Exoskeleton Increases Walking Efficiency From: Medical Design Technology - 04/01/2015 Research results published in the journal Nature show that humans can get better 'gas mileage' using an unpowered exoskeleton to modify the structure of their ankles. The device puts an extra spring in each human step, reducing metabolic energy consumption by 7 percent below walking in normal athletic shoes. The finding may benefit both able-bodied people who are frequently on their feet - think of the military infantry or athletic baby-boomers, for example - as well as those who have been victims of stroke or other gait impairments. Read the entire article at: http://www.mdtmag.com/news/2015/04/exoskeleton-increases-walking-efficiency Links: Gregory Sawicki http://www.bme.ncsu.edu/labs/hpl/greg_sawicki_gregory_sawicki_phd.htm Boot-Like Wearable to Make Walking Easier http://www.mdtmag.com/news/2015/04/boot-wearable-make-walking-easier Exoskeleton Boots Make Walking Easier for Stroke Victims (with videos 0:30 & 1:15) http://www.roboticstrends.com/article/exoskeleton_boots_make_walking_easier_for_stroke_victims Unpowered Exoskeleton Targets Improved Efficiency During Walking http://www.ptproductsonline.com/2015/04/unpowered-exoskeleton-targets-improved-efficiency-walking/ Non-Powered Ankle Exoskeleton Can Mimic Calf Muscles, May Assist Post-Stroke Walking http://www.rehabpub.com/2015/04/non-powered-ankle-exoskeleton-can-mimic-calf-muscles-may-assist-stroke-post-stroke-walking An Unpowered Exoskeleton Springs into Action: Researchers Increase Walking Efficiency https://www.cmu.edu/me/news/archive/2015/collins-clutch.html --- Unpowered Exoskeleton Aids Walking From: Medical Design Briefs - 06/01/2015 While some externally powered exoskeletons have been developed for the disabled, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and North Carolina State University have demonstrated an unpowered ankle exoskeleton that reduces the metabolic cost of walking by about seven percent, which, they say, is roughly equal to removing a 10-pound backpack, and is equivalent to savings from exoskeletons that use electrically-powered devices. Read the entire article at: http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/component/content/article/mdb/tech-briefs/22222 Link: Steven Collins - Walking Assist Crutch (with video 1:36) https://www.cmu.edu/me/people/steven-collins.html