Demountable, Intelligent Exoskeleton for Rehab of Specific Areas of the Body

Exoskeletons are mechanical structures applied externally to the body and its functions improve movement, hold the body of people suffering from an injury, or increase physical strength to lift heavy objects.
 
To improve and extend the functionality of these devices, graduates of Technology Monterrey (ITESM) developed an exoskeleton that works with artificial intelligence and is made up of several independent parts to rehabilitate specific body parts as joints through augmented reality. The device acquires motion with brain or muscle signals and measures simultaneously translated by the apparatus noninvasively.
 
Dr. Ernesto Rodríguez Leal, professor at the ITESM, explained that the device can acquire motion by a headband containing electrodes that are responsible for receiving and calculate the electroencephalographic signals emitted by the brain and electromyographic signals produced by muscles. These electrical impulses go to a microprocessor, which makes the task of sorting and translate the signals that move the device using artificial intelligence algorithms.
 
In addition, the specialist said that in addition to serving as a support for people with some injury or paralysis and serving as assistant movement, the exoskeleton contains an augmented reality viewer showing three-dimensional spaces to be traversed by the patient during rehabilitation work in the body part required.
 
According to a researcher at ITESM campus Monterrey, the exoskeleton consists of rigid links of aluminum and carbon fiber with gears and DC motors, whose function is to convert electrical energy into mechanical and apply it on the joints according to the patient’s need. In turn, the device has sensors called accelerometers that determine the position of each link to thereby indicate and determine the control algorithms of each motor coordination.
 
The royal technologist stressed that the robotic suit is patented and designed to help an elderly person or those with mobility problems to stand, move, sit, and balance. It should be noted that candidates that use the exoskeleton are previously trained, so that the computer can identify and classify their brain signals. A date has already been tested as well as clinical test protocols of patients.
 
Rodríguez Leal emphasized that the device would be accessible and its design can use purchased parts, (i.e., can be made independent joints with artificial intelligence) depending on the situation in which you need mobility.
 
Finally, the mechanical engineer also added that research and experimentation is carried out at the National Robotics Laboratory CONACYT in the Tecnologico de Monterrey and is looking for financial support to bring the design to market.