Development of Next Generation Assistive Wearable Device

Liang, Parker

Development of Next Generation Assistive Wearable Device

Liang, Parker

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2024

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Liang, Parker
dc.date.accessioned	2024-09-30T03:43:53Z
dc.date.available	2024-09-30T03:43:53Z
dc.date.issued	2024
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/181090
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	As the ageing population grows, there is a need for innovative mobility aids. This dissertation examines the EXOS Alpha, a lower body exoskeleton for older adults. The device acts as a wearable chair, supporting up to 100kg when sitting. It integrates with Nike shoes to address bulkiness and appearance, promoting social acceptance. Electromyography experiments showed the exoskeleton slightly increased leg muscle activity during walking and sitting, suggesting a need for a lighter design. The exoskeleton helped in rising from a seated position and crouching by reducing muscle effort, though it slightly increased energy use when sitting. Motion capture analysis highlighted that the exoskeleton limited knee movement and increased stride length, indicating design improvements are needed. Pressure analysis identified uneven load distribution and forefoot fatigue during long periods of sitting. This research highlights the potential of passive lower limb exoskeletons by incorporating fashion solutions and proposing additive manufacturing for personalisation. These advancements could broaden the usability of exoskeletons, integrating assistive technology with fashion to promote wider acceptance.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/181090/1/thesis.pdf
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2024 Parker Liang
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/cph
dc.title	Development of Next Generation Assistive Wearable Device	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

As the ageing population grows, there is a need for innovative mobility aids. This dissertation examines the EXOS Alpha, a lower body exoskeleton for older adults. The device acts as a wearable chair, supporting up to 100kg when sitting. It integrates with Nike shoes to address bulkiness and appearance, promoting social acceptance. Electromyography experiments showed the exoskeleton slightly increased leg muscle activity during walking and sitting, suggesting a need for a lighter design. The exoskeleton helped in rising from a seated position and crouching by reducing muscle effort, though it slightly increased energy use when sitting. Motion capture analysis highlighted that the exoskeleton limited knee movement and increased stride length, indicating design improvements are needed. Pressure analysis identified uneven load distribution and forefoot fatigue during long periods of sitting. This research highlights the potential of passive lower limb exoskeletons by incorporating fashion solutions and proposing additive manufacturing for personalisation. These advancements could broaden the usability of exoskeletons, integrating assistive technology with fashion to promote wider acceptance.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/181090