Development

The development projects of the RERC ASSET will develop innovative assistive technology to improve functionality in stroke survivors.

D1: Development of an Environment-Aware Locomotion Mode Recognition System for Terrain Adaptation in Lower Limb Exoskeletons

He (Helen) Huang (PI), PhD., NC State/UNC-CH

Nitin Sharma (Co-PI), Ph.D., NC State/UNC-CH

Overview: The goal of the D1 project is to develop an environment-aware locomotion mode recognition (LMR) system for lower limb exoskeleton control.

The image depicts a device that is designed to support human wearers to navigate challenging environments. By recognizing local terrain changes, the device is alerted for potential adjustment of locomotion mode. After the wearers' intent of locomotion mode change is recognized and confirmed, the device operates in a timely fashion to ensure a safe and smooth transition.
This image shows a person wearing a lower limb exoskeleton who walks towards a stair case. D1 project will develop a computer vision-based system that can recognize the upcoming terrain change, predict the human user’s intent for terrain transition, and control the exoskeleton to assist the user to switch walking terrain from level ground to stair ascent. 

D2: Improving the Human-Machine Interface of a Hand Exoskeleton

Derek Kamper (PI), Ph.D., NC State/UNC-CH

Michael Daniele (Co-PI), Ph.D., NC State/UNC-CH

Mark Prochazka, MOT, UNC Health

Overview: The goal of this project is to improve the human-machine interface in the context of an assistive hand exoskeleton. The Bidirectional Cable Actuated (BAC)-Glove is capable of independently aiding movement and force generation in each digit but has limitations inherent to these type of devices. For this project we will redesign the mechanical interface between the hand and the exoskeleton to ease donning and doffing, fabricate novel EMG electrodes to improve EMG control, and create a smartphone app to facilitate communication between the device and user.

The image depicts a Bidirectional Cable Actuated (BAC)-Glove as it provides flexion and extension assistance independently to each digit.
The wearable Bidirectional Cable Actuated (BAC) Glove provides flexion and extension assistance independently to each digit. Linear motors push cables to flex the fingers and pull cables to extend the fingers. A splint maintains wrist angle. The device is operated through an onboard microcontroller. A user can control the device by creating specific electromyographic signals.

D3: Exoskeletal network for forearm supination

James Patton (PI), University of Illinois at Chicago and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Derek Kamper (Co-PI), Ph.D., NC State/UNC-CH

Overview: The goal of this project is to establish a lightweight, portable adjustable network of springs to assist supination.

This depicts our first experience prototype for supination using simple elastic cords for ExoNET elements.
This is our first experience prototype for supination using simple elastic cords for ExoNET elements