Towards the Mechatronic Development of a New Upper-Limb Exoskeleton (SAMA)

Abstract

Modern neuromuscular rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology research have been constantly developing in the last 20 years. The upper body exoskeleton is an example of an assistive rehabilitation device. However, in order to solve its technological problems, interdisciplinary research is still necessary. This paper presents a new three-degrees of freedom (DOF) active upper-body exoskeleton for medical rehabilitation named “SAMA”. Its mechanical structure is inspired by the geometry and biomechanics of the human body, particularly the ranges of motion (ROM) and the needed torque. The SAMA exoskeleton was manufactured and assembled into an ergonomic custom-made wheelchair in a sitting posture in order to provide portability and subject comfort during experimental testing and rehabilitation exercises. Dynamic modeling using MATLAB–Simulink was used for calculating the inverse kinematics, dynamic analysis, trajectory generation and implementation of proportional–integral–derivative (PID) computed torque control (PID-CTC). A new framework has been developed for rapid prototyping (the dynamic modeling, control, and experimentation of SAMA) based on the integration between MATLAB–Simulink and the Robot Operating System (ROS) environment. This framework allows the robust position and torque control of the exoskeleton and real-time monitoring of SAMA and its subject. Two joints of the developed exoskeleton were successfully tested experimentally for the desired arm trajectory. The angular position and torque controller responses were recorded and the exoskeleton joints showed a maximum delay of 200° and a maximum steady state error of 0.25°. These successful results encourage further development and testing for different subjects and more control strategies.