Realization of All 7 Motions for the Upper Limb by a Muscle Suit

Abstract

A “muscle suit” that provides muscular support for those paralyzed or otherwise unable to move unaided is being developed. The absence of a metal frame and use of McKibben artificial muscles makes the suit lightweight enough for practical use. We propose an armor-like suit and abduction motion is realized. Because it is difficult to implement all upper limb motion in an armor-like suit, we use mechanical joints and a hard frame and all motion is achieved for the upper limb.

Development of Wearable Wrist Rehabilitation Device Using Flexible Pneumatic Cylinders

“…The rehabilitation devices using soft pneumatic actuators for disabled are actively researched and developed [2][3][4][5]. In the previous study, the wrist rehabilitation device using flexible robot arm that consists of three flexible pneumatic cylinders [6] was proposed and tested.…”

Preliminary Design of Flexible Linear Stepping Actuator Driven by Pneumatic Balloons and Brakes

“…According to aging society and decreasing birth rate in Japan [1], the requirement using soft actuator for the rehabilitation device and power assisting devices is rapidly increasing [2][3][4][5]. As a soft actuator, a rubber artificial muscle is well-known and actively used because of its larger generated force.…”

Development of Compact Flexible Displacement Sensors Using Ultrasonic Sensor for Wearable Actuators

“…Recently, pneumatic welfare systems to support a nursing care and a rehabilitation of the elderly and the disabled are actively researched and developed [1][2][3][4]. In the system, many wearable actuators such as a rubber artificial muscle have been used [5][6][7].…”