Maxx: Mobility assisting textile exoskeleton that exploits neural control synergies

Abstract

Exosuits are a promising robotic approach to assist individuals with motor impairment while being lightweight and unobtrusive. However, these systems have limitations since they can neither provide high levels of assistance nor continuous support. Due to the lack of rigid structures, exosuits are also not able to provide contentious stability. Our goal was to reduce the limitations of such systems by determining an optimal exosuit architecture. Therefore, we conducted an extensive analysis of neural, kinetic and kinematic variables during several lower limb motor tasks. Our multi-articular exosuit MAXX (Mobility Assisting textile eXoskeleton) supports the weight of a person without collapsing, provides stability, and applies the forces needed to move the joints.