Auckland and Fraunhofer strengthens exoskeleton

Auckland University and Fraunhofer Institute are partnering to develop an exoskeleton arm brace which can mimic natural movements as it has a flexible elbow. The partnership is set to last for three years.

Bioengineering researchers at the university are using previously spun out technology. The first is StretchSense, which embeds electronics into artificial muscle devices that detect movement. The second is IMeasureU, which is commercialising a wireless inertial sensor.

Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute will be responsible for the virtual design of the arm and figuring out the mechanics. Fraunhofer will then be working on a physical prototype and product.

The aim is to create a light-weight, low-cost exoskeleton. There are a range of applications for the product: it could be used to lift heavy objects and avoid strain on muscles and joints, or it could be used for physiotherapy.

Peter Hunter, director at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, said: “You could think of it as something you could strap to your arm, and that knows what your arm is trying to do when you move it. It is not taking over from you, but simply responsive to your movements, it is just taking some of the load off. There are plenty of production lines where people suffer from repetitive strain injury because they are overloading joints as part of lifting things. We are talking about something that is lighter, cheaper and much more personalised – we are really modelling the arm for the individual. Although our focus is on one particular joint – the elbow – the reality is whatever is made will transfer to any other joint in the body.”