Biomimetic Viscoelastic Compliance Control for Self-Balancing Lower Limb Exoskeleton

Abstract

Animals, including humans that have muscles with viscoelastic compliance can achieve improved stability. Hence, we investigate a biomimetic control framework with viscoelastic compliance and subsequently apply it to a self-balancing lower limb exoskeleton robot (SBLLER), to ensure stability during locomotion. This article presents a novel biomimetic viscoelastic compliance control framework (VCCF) for an SBLLER that enables wearers to walk without the need for crutches or other external stabilization tools during self-balancing locomotion and rehabilitation training tasks. First, we devised a biomimetic viscoelastic mathematical model (BVMM) and subsequently analyzed its viscoelastic properties. Second, the VCCF, which incorporates the desired and real center of mass (CoM) and a BVMM that connects the desired and real CoMs, is designed to introduce active viscoelastic compliance for an SBLLER so that the SBLLER can absorb the early landing impact forces and stabilize itself. In addition, the VCCF exhibits robustness to the physical parameters of diverse wearers and can effectively accommodate a wide range of subjects, which is essential for promoting the application of exoskeletons. Finally, the validity of the proposed VCCF is confirmed through disturbance and walking experiments.