Advancing Wearable Robotics for Shaping the Human Musculoskeletal System [Young Professionals]

Abstract

Movement is critical for human well-being. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of global mortality. Therefore, developing robotic technologies that can preserve our ability to move as we age or restore it following an injury is a key necessity. Over the past decade, advances in wearable robotics have led to exoskeletons and exosuits that can deliver assistive torques to lower limb joints, which have resulted in improvements in locomotion efficiency and reduced neuromechanical effort. Recent advances in electronics, actuation, and form factor are enabling robots to become slimmer, softer, and lighter than ever, opening the way to technologies that can be worn as a “second skin.”