No one ever imagines themselves getting seriously injured. Accidents do happen though, like car crashes and unexpected sports injuries. These events can drastically change a person’s life, leaving them unable to perform simple daily tasks without assistance, such as walking. One injury that can radically impact a person’s life is a spinal cord injury. There are approximately a quarter of a million people in the United States with spinal cord injuries, and that number grows by 12,500 each year.
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Soft Robotics: Humanizing the Mechanical
In media and science-fiction, robots have stereotypically, and perhaps somewhat unfairly, been depicted as mechanical, stiff assemblies of moving joints and complicated circuitry. While this still holds true for many robots designed today, whether for industry or research, the past few years have seen a growing interest in soft robotics in academia, industry, and popular culture. As the name implies, many research groups have begun investing in constructing robots from compliant, softer materials.
Continue reading “Soft Robotics: Humanizing the Mechanical”The Weight of Combat: Are powered exoskeletons the solution to heavy combat loads?
Have you ever wondered how much weight a soldier carries in a combat zone?
Continue reading “The Weight of Combat: Are powered exoskeletons the solution to heavy combat loads?”Medical Marvel: Robotic exoskeletons enable those with spinal cord injury to walk again
A fall off of her horse in 2007 caused Claire Lomas to lose all function in her legs. In 2012, she completed the London Marathon, all 26.2 miles. Robotic exoskeletons can literally get people back on their feet shortly after a spinal cord injury occurs, but how exactly do these medical devices not only supplement but restore human performance? What does the future look like for robotic exoskeletons and those with paralysis?
Continue reading “Medical Marvel: Robotic exoskeletons enable those with spinal cord injury to walk again”Superhero Technology for Super Kids
Researchers have begun using exoskeletons (similar to Iron Man’s suit) to aid children with cerebral palsy in danger of losing their ability to walk.
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