The Next Frontier in Robotics: Exploring the Potential of Smart Exoskeleton Industry

Smart exoskeletons, which were once considered to be a thing of the past, are now a reality and are becoming more popular in the healthcare, manufacturing, and defense industries. These wearable robots with sensors, actuators, and artificial intelligence (AI), are designed to enhance user safety and increase human productivity to complete tasks. Smart exoskeletons use intelligent algorithms that are capable of automatically adapting to human body movements. 

According to a recent report published by Allied Market Research, the smart exoskeleton market is predicted to cite a remarkable CAGR of 17.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Types of exoskeletons:

Four main types of exoskeletons that are designed for human use-

• The upper body exoskeleton supports the shoulders, elbows, and neck while working in high arm positions.
• Mid-body exoskeleton helps reduce the amount of pressure on the back during repeated lifting.
• The lower body exoskeleton provides support during repeated squatting movements, ankle flexion movements, standing movements, and walking movements.
• Full-body exoskeletons are designed for the protection of people, like military personnel, who need to move their gear from one place to another in extreme and conflicting environments.

Types of sensors and actuators come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of complexity, price, and mass. Some are powered by using batteries or electrical cable connections to power sensors and actuators, while others are passive, utilizing only springs and cables, or stretch materials to maintain or limit motion. 

IIT Delhi's new exoskeleton device to help in the rehabilitation of patients who have been paralyzed due to a stroke:

On 1st September 2023, researchers at IIT Delhi announced the launch of RoboExoSMART, a new Human-Computer Interfaces (HMI) hand exoskeleton. 

Stroke is one of the most serious conditions that can severely damage the brain and cause paralysis for the rest of life. Dr. Neha Singh and Dr. Amit Mehndiratta along with a dedicated team in the Centre for Biomedical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), have designed and developed the pioneering robotic exoskeleton for upper limb rehabilitation with, the aim of reducing the disabling effects of stroke.

Traditional rehabilitation techniques are often inadequate in the treatment of stroke patients, while physiotherapy is labor-intensive, and evaluation is subjective. The exoskeleton, however, synchronizes the movements of the wrist and finger joints, significantly improving daily activities and reducing muscle rigidity. The interface is controlled by muscle activity, the settings are adjustable, and the performance feedback is real-time, providing a path to rapid recovery. The pioneering device offers a unique solution to the size and cost issues associated with traditional robotic solutions. Its lightweight, portability, and affordability make it accessible to a wide range of users, especially in areas with limited resources.

 

The exoskeleton has proven remarkable improvements in mobility and decreased muscle rigidity in clinical studies conducted on more than 60 patients in the Neurology Department of AIIMS. These results highlight how the exoskeleton has the ability to revolutionize the field of rehabilitation.

Furthermore, RoboExo SMART is ready to conduct clinical trials for global acceptance in partnership with Proxmed, an Australian organization dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation.

Prof. Dr. Mehndiratta, commented, “This is a great moment! Proxmed Australia is teaming up with us to bring the exoskeleton to Australia for clinical trials, which is a big step towards getting it seen around the world and proven to be effective. We're all working together to make stroke rehabilitation even more accessible and exciting.”

This collaboration was made possible through the FITT (the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer), which is a partnership between industry and academia at IIT Delhi.

To sum up, as more people are realizing the benefits of these exoskeletons' technology, the future holds remarkable opportunities for enhancing human capabilities, improving healthcare outcomes, and transforming various sectors.

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