Active Assistive Orthotic System

Abstract

Active orthosis (exoskeleton) is an assistive device with a wearable structure, corresponding to the natural motions of the human. This chapter focuses on developing an active/assistive orthosis system (AOS) enhancing movement. The AOS design is inspired by the biological musculoskeletal system of human upper and lower limbs and mimics the muscle-tendon-ligament structure. The exoskeleton structure includes left and right upper limb, left and right lower limb, and central exoskeleton structure for human torso and waist and provides support, balance, and control of different segments of the body. The device was fabricated with light materials and powered by pneumatic artificial muscles that provide more than fifteen degrees of freedom for the different joints. The active orthotic systems (AOS) can operate in three modes: motion tracking system with data exchange with virtual reality; haptic and rehabilitation device; and assistive mode with active orthosis in cases of impaired muscles.