Exoskeleton muscle control technology one step closer to reality – IEEE Spectrum

Content introduction

This article discusses an innovative exoskeleton garment, specifically the Synapsuit project, designed to address the fatigue issues associated with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in assistive technology. An international team from South Korea and Switzerland is developing an electrostatic clutch system that stiffens materials to support joints without the need for constant stimulation of muscles. This technology can significantly reduce user fatigue, making exoskeleton clothing more suitable for daily use. The article also mentions future plans to integrate neural electrodes to control the Synapsuit, which are being developed to adapt to the surface of the brain for better signal detection. The importance of this research lies in its potential to improve the quality of life of individuals with limited mobility, and although it is still in the prototype stage, the project aims to have a functional system by 2026. This content may be of interest to those interested in advances in rehabilitation technology, wearable assistive devices, and the intersection of neuroscience and engineering.

Automatic summary

-Coats are assistive frames that help users move their bodies, but they can suffer from fatigue issues when electrical impulses are used to move muscles.
-Researchers in South Korea and Switzerland are developing the Synapsuit to address fatigue issues by using controlled hardening of materials.
-The Synapsuit includes an electrostatic clutch system that holds the user’s joints in place between movements, eliminating the need for constant muscle stimulation.
– When voltage is applied, the electrostatic clutch stiffens, creating friction and locking the plate in place to support loads up to 2kg.
-Researchers are also developing neural electrodes for eventual use in controlling the Synapsuit, using elastic materials that conform to the surface of the brain.
-Synapsuit is expected to become a functional system by 2026.

Original link: https://spectrum.ieee.org/functional-electrical-stimulation-exosuit-project