Powered Exoskeletons: Ekso Bionics By: Shannon Casey

What is an Exoskeleton? Powered machine that typically consists of an outer framework that is worn by a person No invasive surgeries Created to enhance strength, mobility, and endurance for paraplegics or anyone with lower extremity damage Also used by people with dangerous, tiring jobs, such as soldiers or even firefighteres Able to work for extended periods of time Dependent on specific battery life

History of Exoskeletons 1st Exoskeleton created in 1966 called the Hardiman 1987: Monty Reed, a retired soldier who broke his back, begins working on Lifesuit, an implement for physical therapy. In 2003, he completed a 5k road race with Lifesuit. 1990: Power Assist Suit was created by Japan's Institute of Technology. It was meant for nurses to help them carry their patients 2004: Bleex was created to allow soldiers to hold a large amount of weight on their backs. It consisted of two robotic legs which move in sync with the user's legs 2008: Ratheon created the most innovative real world exoskeleton, called the XOS, which was made to give soldiers extreme amounts of strength and endurance.

Bleex created for soldiers in 2004. XOS created in 2008.

Ekso Bionics Founded in 2005 by members of the Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Lab at the University of California Work to create powered exoskeletons for both the military and just the average person Have created the exoclimber, the exohiker, HULC, and lastly the Ekso

This is the HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier), which was introduced to the military by Ekso Bionics in 2009. This allows soldiers to carry up a 200 lb load, while reducing the amount of energy the soldier needs perform this task.

Ekso Exoskeleton First commercially available product of Ekso Bionics FDA Approved Created in 2010: 6 years to develop Wearable powered exoskeleton targeting people with lower extremity weakness or paralysis As of right now, it's only used in 15 rehab centers in the US

Ekso Skeleton Assembled mainly of aluminum, and include motors, sensors, joints, custom circuitry, and software Ekso is powered by 4 electric motors, meaning there are 4 seperate moving component Typical prosthetics have one moving component Two motors at the hips and two at the knees Powered by battery pack sitting on the back Two lithium batteries Computer system between the two batteries acting as the control center 15 sensors

How it works The Ekso uses the shift of a person's weight to activate sensors, which then initiate steps The battery powered motors in the suit drive the legs Important due to lack of neuromuscular movement Software allows for patients to walk just their first session The weight is specifically transferred to the ground rather than the user's body

Not only physical, but also mentally assisting. It allows users to finally be able to stand up and get out of their chairs.

3 Major Walk Modes FirstStep- Involving a physical therapist with a push button. The person progresses from sitting to standing, with the aid of either a walker or crutches ActiveStep- User is able to have greater control of their steps using buttons on their crutches or walker ProStep- Steps are achieved when the user moves their hips forward and shifts them laterally. The software is able to recognize that the user is correctly positioned and will take a step.

Limitations Only used in 15 rehab centers in the US No at home use right now Very expensiv Rehab centers pay an initial 100,000- 140,000$ with a 10,000$ annual contract Battery powered Only for patients under 220 lbs and between 5'2-6'4

Future Become an in home mobility device, similar to a wheelchair Greater battery life Less expensive Smaller and more lightweight

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