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China’s robotic legs enter everyday life

More people (and news networks) are discovering consumer exoskeletons for tourism and other applications.

Wearable robotics are changing how we walk and run

“…If walking a long trail leaves your knees aching, or if you skip runs because you worry about burning out halfway through, this kind of technology is being built with you in mind. The goal is not to turn anyone into a super athlete. It is to make movement feel more doable…”

Ukraine’s leading express delivery company Nova Poshta, has launched a pilot project to test Hypershell exoskeletons for use at terminals and depots

Analysis: This is an official effort to turn a consumer exoskeleton into an industrial/occupational one.

Surgeon performs first procedure wearing exoskeleton

Mr Sahnan said: “Surgery can be physically very demanding, especially during longer procedures, which can last many hours. Being hunched over an operating table is not great for your posture, so this is a welcome piece of kit for surgeons.”

Before the operation, Andre Jutel from Stanley [see our podcast with him], specialist experts in this area, assessed Mr Sahnan’s movement using their ErgoScan app.

FRT Robotics Leads Korea’s Wearable Robot Market

From forest services to first responders, eldercare and logistics workers, FRT Robotics is forging ahead with supporting people (rather than replacing them) and enhancing the sustainability of labor in Korea…

Analysis: This is a reimbursement milestone: Lifeward says Aetna issued a Medicare Advantage prior authorization deeming the ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton medically necessary for a qualifying spinal cord injury beneficiary, which means coverage now spans three of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers: Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana.

Mobility as a Vital Sign: Enabling Evidence-Based Care at OneStep

Intro: Gait is an important indicator of health… monitoring gait by using any smartphone to constantly monitor walking and quality of walking to the user and provider, clearly see the difference before therapy, after therapy, before device (mobility aid, orthotic, exoskeleton), after device; real gait vs. gait in the lab/center. A way to stay actively engaged with the patient.

From Hardiman to Hulk to Iron Man to Rescue

Bill and Matt discuss military-related powered exoskeletons. “The journey from Hardiman to Hulk to Ironman and potentially a future project called Rescue….”

TEAM BLENDING FASHION AND ENGINEERING TO DESIGN A HIGH-TECH EXOSKELETON FOR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

Analysis: A multi-disciplinary team that is using clothing design virtual software called CLO-3D to help with fit and accommodation. Yes, we need engineering, but we also need fashion and clothing experts, and much more (Rita has been emphasizing this point for years now).

TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY SUPPORT: USER-CENTERED DESIGN OF A PASSIVE, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, LOW-COST KNEE EXOSKELETON

Thought: This is how to differentiate between a brace and a passive exoskeleton: an exoskeleton can have the form of a brace, but it must also be a “device.”

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