The recent development of 3D printing in developing lower-leg exoskeleton: A review

Abstract

The research in wearable lower limb exoskeletons is showing an increasing interest in the last few years. An exoskeleton is a structure that helps paralyzed patients stand and walk. Nowadays, wearable exoskeletons have a growing interest in healthcare, as they help make patient's rehabilitation process more comfortable and more natural. External exoskeletons help people recover after accidents; they may help older people keep their habitual lives. Besides, they can be used for constructors, army soldiers, and workers to reduce the possibility of a work injury, making the work process less painful and tiring as they help distribute the load evenly. This review paper presents current techniques and methods implemented in medical rehabilitation. The work briefly describes the main types of medical exoskeletons, their technical characteristics, main features, and the detailed connection to the area's existing trends. The study also focused on the development of 3D printed leg exoskeletons, their drawbacks, fabricating challenges, and prospects. Various methods that are being developed may influence and increase the potential of 3D printed leg exoskeletons for biomedical applications. The application of 3D printing in rehabilitation opens the opportunity to decrease the weight and the development cost of the exoskeletons, as well as make human rehabilitation more affordable.