The invisible Exoskeleton

The "invisible" exoskeleton can be worn under clothing

Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+

The exoskeleton will be useful for athletes, the elderly and those who walk a lot for work.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University (USA) has developed a lightweight and inexpensive exoskeleton for the ankle joint. The device is compact enough to be worn unnoticed under clothing, and it does not require additional drives or batteries.

According to the institute's website (New low-profile ankle exoskeleton fits under clothes for potential broad adoption), the concept of an ankle exoskeleton was introduced back in 2015. However, since then, the team has significantly modified the idea. Engineers have changed the design of the device so that trousers and shoes can be worn on top of it. To do this, they created a friction clutch mechanism no thicker than an ordinary insole, which is located under the foot.

The exoskeleton weighs only 0.5 kg, it works silently, and production costs less than $ 100.

The possibilities of using an exoskeleton are very wide. For example, it can be used by elderly people who want to stay active and lovers of running and hiking. Also, the device will be useful to soldiers and people whose work involves long walking.

Recently, Samsung has introduced new exoskeletons of the GEMS series. They have three varieties – for hips, ankles and knees. All of them help patients adjust their gait after injuries.

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