Vanderbilt exoskeleton explained

Indego
Manufacturer:Vanderbilt University
Parker Hannifin
Country:United States
Year Of Creation:2010 (prototype)
Type:Powered exoskeleton
Purpose:Medical

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton, marketed as Indego,[1] [2] is a powered exoskeleton designed by the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics at Vanderbilt University in the U.S. state of Tennessee.[3] [4] It is intended to assist paraplegics, stroke victims and other paralyzed or semi-paralyzed people to walk independently.[5] Motion and control technologies manufacturer Parker Hannifin is funding further development, and plans to release the first commercial version of the exoskeleton in 2015.[6] [7]

Rationale

In 2012, there were estimated to be over 270,000 Americans with long-term spinal cord injuries, of whom around 21 percent suffer from complete paraplegia.[8] The lifetime cost of care and lost productivity for each paraplegic ranges from US$1.4 million to $2.2 million.[8] However, since the late 2000s, robotics and battery technology have become sufficiently advanced to make wearable walking assistance devices viable.[9] [10]

Design

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton weighs 27lb and can support users weighing up to 200lb.[3] [4] It is strapped to the user's legs, and uses an onboard computer to detect the user's movements, which are then supported and amplified by battery-powered motors in the exoskeleton's hip and knee joints.[5] It also uses functional electrical stimulation to enervate the muscles of paralyzed patients, improving their strength and circulation,[11] and can be quickly disassembled for removal.[12] It can be used interchangeably with a wheelchair, and can be donned without assistance, allowing disabled individuals significantly greater independence.[5] It is compact enough for a person to sit in a normal chair without needing to remove the exoskeleton.[12]

Development

Vanderbilt University began testing its exoskeleton with paraplegics and medical experts at a rehabilitation center in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010.[12] In October 2012, Parker Hannifin signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vanderbilt University for the right to develop and manufacture a commercial version of the exoskeleton, which it plans to release under the name Indego.[6] [1] Whereas current commercial exoskeletons can cost as much as $140,000, Parker Hannifin hopes to exploit its manufacturing capabilities and the Vanderbilt model's lightweight design to ensure that the Indego is significantly cheaper.[5] In March 2014, Parker Hannifin entered into clinical trial agreements for the exoskeleton with several major medical rehabilitation centres.[7] In December 2014, Parker Hannifin invested in Freedom Innovations, a California-based prosthetic technology company with which it had a pre-existing partnership, to further the development of Indego.[13] Following regulatory approval, Parker Hannifin plans to release Indego in Europe in 2015 and in the United States in 2016.[7]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wearable robots getting lighter, more portable. South Coast Today. May 30, 2013. June 17, 2013.
  2. Web site: Parker Hannifin names its new exoskeleton device Indego. Crain's Cleveland. January 21, 2013. October 1, 2013.
  3. Web site: Inspired by Segway Scooter, Vanderbilt Exoskeleton Gets Paralyzed on Their Legs . Medgadget.com . Rehab . October 30, 2012 . December 12, 2012 . Gene Ostrovsky . Medgadget is an independent journal of the latest medical gadgets, technologies and discoveries written, edited and published by a group of MDs and biomed engineers..
  4. Web site: Powered Exoskeleton. Vanderbilt University. November 29, 2012.
  5. Web site: Advanced exoskeleton promises more independence for people with paraplegia. Vanderbilt University. October 30, 2012. November 29, 2012.
  6. Web site: Parker Signs Licensing Agreement with Vanderbilt for Exoskeleton Technology and Targets Commercial Launch in 2014. Parker Hannifin. October 30, 2012. November 29, 2012.
  7. Web site: Parker Hannifin enters clinical trial agreements for its Indego exoskeleton. Crain's Cleveland. March 4, 2014. October 21, 2014.
  8. Web site: Spinal Cord Injury Facts & Figures (PDF). University of Alabama

    National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center

    . February 2012. December 12, 2012.
  9. Web site: NASA's strange robotic suit could pave way to Mars, make astronauts safe. Science Recorder. December 11, 2012. December 12, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121213150942/http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/nasas-strange-robotic-suit-could-pave-way-to-mars-make-astronauts-safe/. December 13, 2012. dead.
  10. Web site: I am Iron Man: Top 5 Exoskeleton Robots. Discovery News. 2012. December 12, 2012.
  11. Web site: Vanderbilt University steps into the exoskeleton market. Gizmag. October 31, 2012. December 21, 2012.
  12. Web site: This Light, Affordable Exoskeleton Could Help The Paralyzed Walk Again. Fast CoExist. November 28, 2012. November 29, 2012.
  13. Web site: Parker Hannifin strengthens Indego exoskeleton development efforts with investment in California company. Crain's Cleveland. December 4, 2014. January 23, 2015.