This robotic suit could help crippled patients walk again

NEW DELHI: Advancements in medical science and technology are continually helping in making things better for people. And the latest innovation could prove to be a godsend for people with impaired physical mobility.

A team of engineers from Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering has developed a soft exosuit that could help patients with lower limb disabilities to walk again.

To be developed further in collaboration with ReWalk Robotics, the suit is a result of extensive prototyping that included robotics specialists, mechanical and bio-mechanical engineers, software engineers and apparel designers.

What makes the exosuit different from other robotic suits and powered exoskeletons is its form-fitting and fabric-based design that's lightweight and non-restrictive. Instead of a rigid frame, the soft exosuit uses compact and powerful actuators packaged in a belt to assist the wearer's legs in a better way. The fabric also helps a user mimic the natural biometrics of the musculoskeletal system.

It can potentially assist wearers to walk with greater stability and metabolic efficiency as well as reduce fatigue.

Majority of the currently available exoskeletons are rigid systems that provide structural support to patients with severe movement disabilities. With its flexible design and natural movement support, the soft exosuit could be used to help stroke, multiple sclerosis and elderly patients in overcoming lower limb movement disabilities.

Innovations like the soft robotic exosuit truly indicate how improvements intechnology, coupled with advancements in medical science can help patients have a second chance at leading normal lives.