Development of externally powered lower limb orthosis with bilateral-servo actuator

Abstract

The externally powered orthosis is one of the necessary devices for rehabilitation of paraplegia patients and hemiplegia patients and spinal-cord-injury victims. However, the main problems of speed, noise, and weight and so on make the morale of the training lower. Then, we thought that there were problems in the actuator. To overcome these problems, we have developed the orthosis externally powered by bi-articular muscle mechanism with a bilateral-servo actuator. Our study suggests such a system as the physically disabled can train with the externally powered orthosis and ambulation device in smooth action.