• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.733-738
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• 2014

We propose a new approach called as a peak time approach for faster detection of step initiation for the lower limb exoskeleton. As faster detection of step initiation is an important criterion in evaluating the lower limb exoskeleton, many studies have investigated approaches to detect step initiation faster, including using electromyography, the center of pressure, the heel-off time and the toe-off time. In this study, we will utilize vertical ground reaction force events to detect step initiation, and compare our approach with prior approaches. Additionally, we will predict the first step's heel strike time with vertical ground reaction force events from multiple regression equations to support our approach. The lower limb exoskeleton should assist the operator's movement much faster and more reliably with our approach.

• 한국정밀공학회지
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• 제30권11호
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• pp.1217-1224
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• 2013

In this paper, a hand exoskeleton actuated by air muscles(soft hand exoskeleton) is introduced. Some soft hand exoskeletons have already been developed to overcome the defects of hand exoskeletons based on linkage and pneumatic piston system-they are usually bulky and do not have enough degree of freedom(DOF). However, soft hand exoskeletons still have defects. Their motions are not precise as linkage based hand exoskeletons, because their actuator, such as air muscle is made of soft materials. So we developed a new linkage which is not bulky and has redundant DOF. It is combined with air muscle in a specific way so that it acts as a guide when air muscle is actuated. Some experiments were conducted to evaluate the validity and usability of our hand exoskeleton.

• 한국지능시스템학회논문지
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.533-539
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• 2012

본 연구는 사람 팔의 움직임에 따른 신체 발생 신호인 근육의 근전도 데이터를 실시간으로 추출하여 신호 발생에 따른 외골격 로봇 팔의 동작을 통해 제어신호의 유효성을 평가하는데 그 목적이 있다. 지능형 알고리즘에 의해 인간의 인지와 판단의 결과가 팔의 근육을 통해서 제어 가능한 지를 실제 시스템을 구성하여 확인해 보는 것이다. 근육의 수축과 이완에 따른 근전도 센서 데이터는 외골격 로봇 팔을 구동하는 원신호로 사용되며 로봇 구동을 위한 힘을 전달하는 엑츄에이터가 인간의 팔의 동작을 모사한다. 이를 위해 아날로그 필터회로와 관련 회로를 설계하여 신호를 추출하였고 시스템의 동작을 위해 DSP컨트롤러를 통한 신호처리과정을 거친 후 지능 알고리즘을 통한 부하의 정확한 예측을 위한 퍼지 논리 알고리즘의 동작을 표현할 수 있는 외골격 로봇 팔을 제작하였다.

• 한국정밀공학회지
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• 제32권10호
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• pp.857-863
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• 2015

The need for human body posture robots has led researchers to develop dexterous design of exoskeleton robots. Quantitative techniques to assess human motor function and generate commands for robots were required to be developed. In this paper, we present a passivity based adaptive control algorithm for upper limb assist exoskeleton. The proposed algorithm can adapt to different subject parameters and provide efficient response against the biomechanical variations caused by subject variations. Furthermore, we have employed the Particle Swarm Optimization technique to tune the controller gains. Efficacy of the proposed algorithm method is experimentally demonstrated using a seven degree of freedom upper limb assist exoskeleton robot. The proposed algorithm was found to estimate the desired motion and assist accordingly. This algorithm in conjunction with an upper limb assist exoskeleton robot may be very useful for elderly people to perform daily tasks.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.357-364
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• 2010

This study proposes a lower-limb exoskeleton system that is controlled by a wearer's muscle activity. This system is designed by following procedure. First, analyze the muscle activation patterns of human leg while walking. Second, select the adequate actuator to support the human walking based on calculation of required force of knee joint for step walking. Third, unit type knee and ankle orthotics are integrated with selected actuator. Finally, using this knee-assistive system (KAS) and developed muscle stiffness sensors (MSS), the muscle activity pattern of the subject is analyzed while he is walking on the stair. This study proposes an operating algorithm of KAS based on command signal of MSS which is generated by motion intent of human. A healthy and normal subject walked while wearing the developed powered-knee exoskeleton on his/her knees, and measured effectively assisted plantar flexor strength of the subject's knees and those neighboring muscles. Finally, capabilities and feasibility of the KAS are evaluated by testing the adapted motor pattern and the EMG signal variance while walking with exoskeleton. These results shows that developed exoskeleton which controlled by muscle activity could help human's walking acceptably.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 제어로봇시스템학회 2005년도 ICCAS
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• pp.2154-2159
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• 2005

This paper presents the kinematic analysis of two robots, an exoskeleton type master robot and a human like slave robot with two arms. Two robots are designed and built to be equivalent as motion following robots. The operator wears the exoskeleton robot to generate motions, then the slave robot is required to follow after the motion of the master robot. However, different kinematic configuration yields position mismatches of the end-effectors. To synchronize motions of two robots, kinematic analysis of mapping is analyzed. The forward and inverse kinematics have been simulated and the corresponding experiments are also conducted to confirm the proposed mapping analysis.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.467-475
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• 2012

이 논문에서는 비틈 봉을 기반으로 한 중력보상기가 적용된 새로운 외력증강기를 이용하여 인체 다리관절에 작용하는 부하를 경감시키는 방법에 대해 제안한다. 비틈 봉 특성을 추정하고 측정하기 위하여 설계와 구조 해석을 행하였다. 설계와 구조해석을 바탕으로 매우 경량이고 소형인 새로운 외력증강기를 개발하였다. 구조해석은 외력증강기를 매우 경량으로 하기위해 최적두께의 링크에 대한 FEM해석을 행하였다.

• 공학교육연구
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.3-6
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• 2014

Robotic exoskeletons are kind of wearable robots enabling operators to amplify the force. There are several possible applications in plenty of options: to put very heavy products into right positions for assemblies, to rescue people from natural disasters, and to work for medical rehabilitation etc. In this study, the exoskeleton hands were designed and fabricated using 3-D printer. It would be the good case of application of 3-D printer to design and fabricate the exoskeleton hands.

• 로봇학회논문지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.117-121
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• 2023

Research on walking assistance exoskeletons that provide optimized torque to individuals has been conducted steadily, and these studies aim to help users feel stable when walking and get help that suits their intentions. Because exoskeleton auxiliary efficiency evaluation is based on metabolic cost savings, experiments on real people are needed to evaluate continuously evolving control algorithms. However, experiments with real people always require risks and high costs. Therefore, in this study, we intend to actively utilize human musculoskeletal simulation. First, to improve the accuracy of musculoskeletal models, we propose a body segment mass distribution algorithm using body composition analysis data that reflects body characteristics. Secondly, the efficiency of most exoskeleton torque control algorithms is evaluated as the reduction rate of Metabolic Cost. In this study, we assume that the torque minimizing the Metabolic Cost is the optimal torque and propose a method for obtaining the torque.