Preliminary Evaluation of Intention Estimation Algorithms for an Actuated Lower-Limb Exoskeleton

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Mechanical Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2013
Authors
Chandrapal, M.
Chen, X.Q.
Wang, W.H.
Stanke, B.
Le Pape, N.
Abstract

This paper describes the experimental testing of an actuated lower-limb exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is designed to alleviate the loading at the knee joint by supplying assistive torque. It is hypothesized that the support provided will reduce the muscular effort required to perform activities of daily living and thus facilitate the execution of these movements by those who previously had limited mobility. The exoskeleton is actuated by four pneumatic artificial muscles, each providing 150N of pulling force to assist in the flexion and extension of the knee joint. The exoskeleton system estimates the user’s intended motion using muscle activity information recorded from five thigh muscles, together with the knee angle. To experimentally evaluate the performance of the device, the exoskeleton was worn by an able-bodied user, whilst performing the sit-to-stand-to-sit movement. In addition, the three intention estimation algorithms were also tested to determine the influence of the various algorithms on the support provided. The results show a significant reduction in the user’s muscle activity ( 20%) when assisted by the exoskeleton in a predictable manner.

Description
Citation
Chandrapal, M., Chen, X.Q., Wang, W.H., Stanke, B., Le Pape, N. (2013) Preliminary Evaluation of Intention Estimation Algorithms for an Actuated Lower-Limb Exoskeleton. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, Vol. 10(147:2013), pp. 10 pp.
Keywords
EMG-to-Force, exoskeleton, artificial neural networks, differential evolution
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::40 - Engineering::4003 - Biomedical engineering::400303 - Biomechanical engineering
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