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Kickstarter: SPORTSMATE 5 Consumer Exoskeleton

Kickstarter SPORTSMATE 5 Exoskeleton

The successful Kickstarter of the SPORTSMATE 5 demonstrates that there is a strong interest in powered commercial exoskeletons that can be purchased by anyone. This Kickstarter runs until Dec 25, 2021, and has met and exceeded its funding goal on the first day of the campaign.

The heightened interest is an indicator that exoskeleton technology can thrive beyond the confines of industrial, medical, or military applications. At last count, only 6% of exoskeleton devices that are on or close to market are consumer devices. Out of those, the majority are for skiing or educational purposes: (see ExR’s Catalog: Consumer Exoskeletons).

SPORTSMATE 5 via Facebook
SPORTSMATE 5 via Facebook

The SPORTSMATE 5 is a powered, hip exoskeleton for walking assistance. There is one actuator at each hip. Similar to the NASA and The R70i Aging Experience it can also be used as a resistive training device. The SPORTSMATE 5 exoskeleton is designed to provide 18 Nm of assistive torque with 3-hour battery life (or the equivalent of 6.5 miles). The design intent is for the motors to take advantage of AI algorithms that can become better at predicting user intent and applying appropriate power with the right timing.

Furthermore, the design is modular and can include add-ons, such as a detachable back brace and harness that can transform the wearable robot into a lower-back assist exoskeleton. The final version is intended to be 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). The final product is envisioned to come in three different sizes in order to fit the maximum percentage of users.

All of the above may sound too good to be true, and the $1,500 suggested retail price is definitely on the lower end. However, this Hong Kong team has plenty of early prototypes to show off and it is clear that they have put considerable time and effort into this project. The SPORTSMATE 5 will also come with a developer toolkit with an extended interface. This will allow researchers and enthusiasts to make their own modifications and run experiments.

MakeUseOf posted a review of a prototype of the SPORTSMATE 5 on their YouTube channel. They admit that they are not too familiar with exoskeleton technology, but were pleased with the performance of the earlier (and heavier) model.

Find out more:

  • Kickstarter: SPORTSMATE 5-Consumer Exoskeleton with Infinite Possibility, Nov-Dec 2021, link
  • Enhanced Robotics, company website: link
  • Enhanced Robotics, YouTube channel: link

 

3 Comments

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  • Hello, I drew an exoskeleton design wich should smoothen high jumps, but I don’t know how to make this project see the light of day. Is there a company which is interested in looking at people’s designs and help them to finance their projects if there is potential? Thanks you.

    • Hello, in general, it is difficult to “shop” around non-patented technology without risking intellectual theft. I think that you need a collaborator. You could try doing an academic route, is there a mechatronics or ergonomics research lab at a university near you? Alternatively, you could get a provisional patent so that you can show your design innovation around. There are prototype companies that will be happy to make one or two prototypes based on your design (CAD?) for a price. Otherwise, you could try going to trade shows or conferences like WearRAcon, ExoBerlin, or even a local Maker’s Fair.

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