Development on wearable robot for human power support

Abstract

To the paralyzed or those otherwise enable to move on their own we have been developing a providing muscular support as a wearable robot. Muscle suits are worn and use a McKibben artificial muscle driven by compressed air. Because actuators are sewn into a garment, no metal frame is needed, making a muscle suit very light and cheap. Most medical and welfare apparatuses were developed for caregivers rather than patients in need of nursing, causing patients to lose their own identity and a positive attitude. With the muscle suit they could control their movement by their own will. The muscle suit is very helpful for both muscular and mental support. Thus, since it is applicable directly to human as a wearable robot, it is based on a concept different from conventional robot technology.