A statistical study regarding the state-of-the-art of active motion-oriented assistive devices

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Daniel Pina (Author) FEUP; Renato Natal Jorge (Author) FEUP; Joaquim Gabriel Magalhães Mendes (Author) FEUP; António Augusto Fernandes (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Biomedical Engineering - Applications, Basis and Communications

Vol. 26

Final page: 1450047

ISSN: 1016-2372

Publisher: World Scientific

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Biomedical enginnering

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Medical biotechnology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-7Q1

DOI: 10.4015/s1016237214500471

Abstract (EN): Active orthoses and powered exoskeletons, among other denominations, are devices made to attach to one or several human limbs in order to assist their movement through means of electronically controlled actuators and/or mechanical brakes. The technology developed for these devices can be used in many situations, such as rehabilitation, industrial and general strength enhancement purposes. In order to create a comprehensive state-of-the-art work, several online scientific databases were used to gather articles related to this subject, using the terms "Exoskeleton", "Orthosis", "Orthesis" and "Rehabilitation Robot". This survey resulted in the retrieval of 169 articles. Afterward, a custom database was created to contain, organize and cross the information gathered from each relevant article. This work presents statistical results regarding research development localization, actuation technologies and the man-machine interface. Out of the 123 identified projects/prototypes, 89 are primarily dedicated to rehabilitation activities and 14 refer to strength enhancement. From 2005 onwards, the results show that the DC Motor is the most used, being present in 56% of all the projects and in 47% of mobile devices with weight constraints. The electromyographic sensor is the most used sensor type. By grouping all sensors into physical variable classes, the force-related sensors show a higher number of occurrences. Regarding the localization of the research and development over these devices, the United States of America is the country with the largest dedication, followed by Japan. © 2014 National Taiwan University.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific