Collaboration makes strides in exoskeleton development

The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University will collaborate with ReWalk Robotics to develop wearable exosuits for patients with limited walking ability

The Wyss Institute and ReWalk Robotics are working together to accelerate the development of the Institute's lightweight, wearable soft exosuit technologies that could help patients suffering from stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) to regain mobility, according to the Institute.

Conor Walsh, who is a core faculty member at the Wyss Institute, said: "This is a very exciting day for the soft exosuit technology.”

The exosuit - which is a soft wearable robot - was developed at the Wyss Institute by Walsh and his team through extensive prototyping that included the involvement of roboticists, mechanical and biomechanical engineers, apparel designers and software engineers.

Using form-fitting, fabric-based designs that are lightweight and non-restrictive, the Wyss Institute's soft exosuit uses compact, powerful actuators packaged in a belt to provide assistance to the wearer's legs in a physiologically relevant manner.

These enhanced movements have the potential to assist wearers in walking with greater stability and metabolic efficiency, which could prevent injury and reduce fatigue, the Institute said.

Over the course of its development, the soft exosuit has been the catalyst for entirely new forms of functional textiles, flexible power systems and control strategies that integrate the suit and its wearer in ways that mimic the natural biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system, according to the Institute.

Larry Jasinski, CEO of ReWalk, said: "There is a great need in the health care system for lightweight, lower-cost wearable exoskeleton designs to support stroke patients, individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and senior citizens who require mechanical mobility assistance.

“This collaboration will help create the next generation of exoskeleton systems, making life-changing technology available to millions of consumers across a host of patient populations.”

Walsh said: “ReWalk brings commercialisation expertise and experience in the area of wearable robotics and complements our translation-focused research. Ultimately this agreement paves the way for this technology to make its way to patients."