1. Powered Exoskeletons: Ekso Bionics
By: Shannon Casey

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. 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$ with a 10,000$ annual contract
Battery powered
Only for patients under 220 lbs and between 5'2-6'4

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

14. References
"Ekso Bionics." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Nov Web. 16 Nov
"Ekso Bionics' Robotic Suit Eyes-on (video)." Engadget. Steve Dent, 12 Mar Web. 16 Nov
"Ekso- Advancing Human Motion." Initiation of Forward Leg Movement.” Universityhealthsystem.com. Web.
Gannon, Matthew, Edythe McNamee, and Madison Park. "Exoskeleton Allows Paraplegics to Walk." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan Web. 16 Nov
Jensen, Dallas, Kit Eaton, and Kit Eaton. "App Smart | Enhance Your Music." The New York Times. The New York Times, 12 Nov Web. 16 Nov. 2014
Mertz, Leslie. "The Next Generation of Exoskeletons: Lighter, Cheaper Devices Are in the Works." IEEE Xplore. N.p., July Web. 16 Nov