• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.1014-1020
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• 2011

This presents a motion and force estimation system of human fingers by using an Electromyography (EMG) sensor module and a data glove system to be proposed in this paper. Both EMG sensor module and data glove system are developed in such a way to minimize the number of hardware filters in acquiring the signals as well as to reduce their sizes for the wearable. Since the onset of EMG precedes the onset of actual finger movement by dozens to hundreds milliseconds, we show that it is possible to predict the pattern of finger movement before actual movement by using the suggested system. Also, we are to suggest how to estimate the grasping force of hand based on the relationship between RMS taken EMG signal and the applied load. Finally we show the effectiveness of the suggested estimation system through several experiments.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2009

When the visually impaired walks inside a building like corridor, a GPS cannot be useful for the walker in estimating his or her position unlike the case of outdoor space. This paper presents two novel methods to measure the walking distance using a low cost camera worn on the chest of the visually impaired. In the first method we analyze the periodic variation of image focusing values. Walking steps are counted by checking the period for the rough measure of the walking distance. The second method counts the step number by monitoring fixtures on the ceiling, which have a certain interval. Lamps on the ceiling appeared on the video are monitored in this paper. The T-S fuzzy theory is used to detect lamps, and the walking steps are estimated by the positional variation of the lamp due to the gait of the walker. The two methods are tested in real experiment, and the results are compared.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2021

Soft fluidic actuators (SFAs) are widely utilized in various areas such as wearable systems due to the inherent compliance which allows safe and flexible interaction. However, SFA-driven systems generally require a large pump, multiple valves and tubes, which hinders to develop a miniaturized system with small range of motion. Thus, a highly integrated soft actuator needs to be developed for implementing a compact SFA-driven system. In this study, we propose an electro-hydraulic soft zipping actuator that can be used as a miniature pump. This actuator exerts tactile force as a dielectric liquid contained inside the actuator pressurized its deformable part. In addition, the proposed actuator can estimate the internal dielectric liquid thickness by using its self-sensing function. Besides, the electrical characteristics and driving performance of the proposed system were verified through experiments.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.814-823
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• 2011

Nowadays many neurological diseases such as stroke and Parkinson diseases are continually increasing. Orthotic devices as well as exoskeletons have been widely developed for supporting movement assistance and therapy of patients. Robotic knee orthosis can compensate stiff-knee gait of the paralyzed limb and can provide patients consistent assistance at wearable environments. With keeping a robotic orthosis wearable, however, it is not easy to develop a compact and safe actuator with fast rotation and high torque for consistent supports of patients during walking. In this paper, we propose a novel kinematic model for a robotic knee orthosis to drive a knee joint with independent actuation during swing and stance phases, which can allow an actuator with fast rotation to control swing motions and an actuator with high torque to control stance motions, respectively. The suggested kinematic model is composed of a hamstring device with a slide-crank mechanism, a quadriceps device with five-bar/six-bar links, and a patella device for knee covering. The quadriceps device operates in five-bar links with 2-dof motions during swing phase and is changed to six-bar links during stance phase by the contact motion to the patella device. The hamstring device operates in a slider-crank mechanism for entire gait cycle. The kinematics and velocity/force relations are analyzed for the quadriceps and hamstring devices. Finally, the adequate actuators for the suggested kinematic model are designed based on normal gait requirements. The suggested kinematic model will allow a robotic knee orthosis to use compact and light actuators with full support during walking.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.421-426
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• 2015

Need to develop human body's posture supervised robots, gave the push to researchers to think over dexterous design of exoskeleton robots. It requires to develop quantitative techniques to assess human motor function and generate the command to assist in compliance with complex human motion. Upper limb rehabilitation robots, are one of those robots. These robots are used for the rehabilitation of patients having movement disorder due to spinal or brain injuries. One aspect that must be fulfilled by these robots, is to cope with uncertainties due to different patients, without significantly degrading the performance. In this paper, we propose chattering free sliding mode control technique for this purpose. This control technique is not only able to handle matched uncertainties due to different patients but also for unmatched as well. Using this technique, patients feel active assistance as they deviate from the desired trajectory. Proposed methodology is implemented on seven degrees of freedom (DOF) upper limb rehabilitation robot. In this robot, shoulder and elbow joints are powered by electric motors while rest of the joints are kept passive. Due to these active joints, robot is able to move in sagittal plane only while abduction and adduction motion in shoulder joint is kept passive. Exoskeleton performance is evaluated experimentally by a neurologically intact subjects while varying the mass properties. Results show effectiveness of proposed control methodology for the given scenario even having 20 % uncertain parameters in system modeling.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.296-302
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• 2022

This paper proposes a center of plantar foot pressure (CoP) trajectory estimation method based on Gaussian process regression, with the aim to show robust results regardless of the regions and numbers of FSRs of the insole sensor. This method can bring an interpolation between the measurement points inside the wearable insole sensor, and two experiments are conducted for performance evaluation. For this purpose, the input data used in the experiment are generated in three types (13 FSRs, 8 FSRs, 5 FSRs) according to the regions and numbers of FSRs. First, the estimation results of the CoP trajectory are compared using Gaussian process regression and weighted mean. As a result of each method, the estimation results of the two methods were similar in the case of 13 FSRs data. On the other hand, in the case of the 8 and 5 FSRs data, the weighted mean varies depending on the regions and numbers of FSRs, but the estimation results of Gaussian process regression showed similar results in spite of reducing the regions and numbers. Second, the estimation results of the CoP trajectory based on Gaussian process regression during several gait cycles are analyzed. In five gait cycles, the previous cycle and the current estimation results are compared, and it was confirmed that similar trajectories appeared in all. In this way, the method of estimating the CoP trajectory based on Gaussian process regression showed robust results, and stability was confirmed by yielding similar results in several gait cycles.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2023

In the elderly population, sarcopenia occurs due to physical aging, leading to movement restrictions and loss of function. This results in dependence on daily activities and limitations in participation, ultimately decreasing the overall quality of life. In this study, we propose an algorithm designed to enable patients with sarcopenia to perform sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements seamlessly in their daily lives. The algorithm incorporates a wearable robot for muscle support and includes algorithms for standing and seated muscle strength support. To validate the algorithm's performance, EMG sensors were attached to the Rectus Femoris and Biceps Femoris muscles. The participants underwent two scenarios: one without wearing the device and one with the device providing muscle strength support, performing sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions for one minute in each case. The results showed a 16% increase in the EMG peak value of the Rectus Femoris muscle during standing motion (p=0.009). On the right side, there was a roughly 20% decrease (p=0.018) during standing and a 21% decrease (p=0.014) during sitting motion. In the future, we aim to gather additional data to further refine the algorithm. Our goal is to develop an optimal muscle strength support algorithm based on this data, making it applicable for real-life use by patients with sarcopenia.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2017

This paper present a novel approach to control the lower body power assistive exoskeleton system of a HEXAR-CR35 aimed at improving a muscular strength. More specifically the control of based on the human intention is crucial of importance to ensure intuitive and dexterous motion with the human. In this contribution, we proposed the detection algorithm of the human intention using the MCRS which are developed to measure the contraction of the muscle with variation of the circumference. The proposed algorithm provides a joint motion of exoskeleton corresponding the relate muscles. The main advantages of the algorithm are its simplicity, computational efficiency to control one joint of the HEXAR-CR35 which are consisted knee-active type exoskeleton (the other joints are consisted with the passive or quasi-passive joints that can be arranged by analyzing of the human joint functions). As a consequence, the motion of exoskeleton is generated according to the gait phase: swing and stance phase which are determined by the foot insole sensors. The experimental evaluation of the proposed algorithm is achieved in walking with the exoskeleton while carrying the external mass in the back side.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.1603-1608
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• 2008

Powered robotic exoskeletons are currently under development for assisting or supporting human muscle power. Many applications using this system for the purpose of national defense system, medical support, and construction industry are now frequently introduced. In this paper, we proposed the exoskeletal wearable robotics for construction workers. First, we analyzed general work conditions at the construction site and set up target tasks through the datum. Then dominant muscles’ activity which is related with the defined target tasks was checked up. Herein, wearers’ intent signal generation methodology was introduced in order to effectively activate the proposed system. In the final part of this paper, we evaluated the capability and feasibility of the exoskeletal robotics by the electromyography (EMG) signal variance; demonstrated that robotic exoskeletons controlled by muscle activity could be useful way of assisting with construction workers.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of regular exercise through the combined walking-oriented aerobic and resistance exercises using EX1 in young adults. Design: Experimental one group pre and post test Methods: Participants comprised17 healthy young adults. All subjects performed a combined exercise program for 10 times using EX1. We measured quadriceps muscle thickness using ultrasound. Additionally, the hand grip strength test, and sit and reach test were performed before and after the exercise. Through paired t-test, we investigated whether there was a statistically significant difference in the measurement results after exercise program. Results: The rectus femoris muscle contraction ratio showed significant difference after exercise(P< 0.01). In the sit and reach test, flexibility showed significant difference after exercise(P < 0.01). The hand grip strength test also showed significant difference after exercise(P < 0.05). Conclusions: Healthy young adults can effectively perform various exercises commonly performed in daily life using EX1.