Design frame of a leg exoskeleton for load-carrying augmentation

Abstract

This paper presents a design frame of a leg exoskeleton. The performance of an exoskeleton was analyzed by studying a model of a linear coupled 1-DOF human-exoskeleton system. The results showed that a low-impedance, anthropomorphic and well attached mechanical structure is benefit for the control of exoskeleton, and a direct force feedback control could also be implemented to further reduce the impedance. Three kinds of applied sensor interface were compared. A leg exoskeleton called ELEBOT was developed for validating control algorithm. The ELEBOT included four main parts: mechanical structure, hydraulic actuator, sensor and control system and power. The function of such a load-carrying robot is to reduce the injuries associated with the back and lower limbs after a long heavy walk. Experiment results with a simple force controller confirmed that ELEBOT could efficiently assist people walking with 30 kg payload now.