scholarly journals Design on the Bowden Cable-Driven Upper Limb Soft Exoskeleton

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Wei ◽  
Zhicheng Qu ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Pengcheng Zhang ◽  
Fuchun Hao
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Force Sensor ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Motion Simulation ◽  
Skeletal System ◽  
Interaction Forces ◽  
Human Arm ◽  
Bearing Force ◽  
Machine Interaction

To assist hemiplegic patients with the activities of daily life, many upper limb soft exoskeletons have been developed. In this paper, we propose the structure of upper limb soft exoskeleton for rehabilitation training based on human biomechanics. The soft driving structure based on Bowden cable is devised. Man-machine interaction force must be considered because it can damage on the joint and lead to arm discomfort. We focus on structural optimization to minimize man-machine interaction force. Human arm model is established to perform motion simulation in ADAMS. To summarize optimality conditions, the movements of elbow are simulated in ADAMS when the number and location of force bearing points are changed. This paper describes the movement of the shoulder skeletal system through a mathematical model based on the Bowden cable transmission and utilizes man-machine contact force sensor to detect human interaction forces for analysis of experimental data. The experimental results show that man-machine interaction force can be reduced when the number of bearing force points is increased and bearing force point is away from the elbow.

scholarly journals Toward an Integrated Intervention and Assessment of Robot-Based Rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Majidirad ◽  
Yimesker Yihun ◽  
Laila Cure
Keyword(s):  
Force Sensor ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Feature Reduction ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Training Procedure ◽  
Interaction Forces ◽  
Response Data ◽  
Robotic Devices ◽  
Research Challenge

Abstract This study presents robot-based rehabilitation and its assessment. Robotic devices have significantly been useful to help therapists do the training procedure consistently. However, as robotic devices interface with humans, quantifying the interaction and its intended outcomes is still a research challenge. In this study, human–robot interaction during rehabilitation is assessed based on measurable interaction forces and human physiological response data, and correlations are established to plan the intervention and effective limb trajectories within the intended rehabilitation and interaction forces. In this study, the Universal Robot 5 (UR5) is used to guide and support the arm of a subject over a predefined trajectory while recording muscle activities through surface electromyography (sEMG) signals using the Trigno wireless DELSYS devices. The interaction force is measured through the force sensor mounted on the robot end-effector. The force signals and the human physiological data are analyzed and classified to infer the related progress. Feature reduction and selection techniques are used to identify redundant inputs and outputs.

scholarly journals New Exoskeleton Arm Concept Design And Actuation For Haptic Interaction With Virtual Objects

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Chakarov ◽  
I. Veneva ◽  
M. Tsveov ◽  
T. Tiankov
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Motion Tracking ◽  
Force Feedback ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Joint Torque ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Actuation System ◽  
Human Arm ◽  
Torque Regulation ◽  
Muscle Actuators

Abstract In the work presented in this paper the conceptual design and actuation of one new exoskeleton of the upper limb is presented. The device is designed for application where both motion tracking and force feedback are required, such as human interaction with virtual environment or rehabilitation tasks. The choice is presented of mechanical structure kinematical equivalent to the structure of the human arm. An actuation system is selected based on braided pneumatic muscle actuators. Antagonistic drive system for each joint is shown, using pulley and cable transmissions. Force/displacement diagrams are presented of two antagonistic acting muscles. Kinematics and dynamic estimations are performed of the system exoskeleton and upper limb. Selected parameters ensure in the antagonistic scheme joint torque regulation and human arm range of motion.

scholarly journals Sensing small interaction forces through proprioception

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazlur Rashid ◽  
Devin Burns ◽  
Yun Seong Song
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Contraction ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Initial Position ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Interaction Forces ◽  
Force Direction ◽  
Human Motor

AbstractUnderstanding the human motor control strategy during physical interaction tasks is crucial for developing future robots for physical human–robot interaction (pHRI). In physical human–human interaction (pHHI), small interaction forces are known to convey their intent between the partners for effective motor communication. The aim of this work is to investigate what affects the human’s sensitivity to the externally applied interaction forces. The hypothesis is that one way the small interaction forces are sensed is through the movement of the arm and the resulting proprioceptive signals. A pHRI setup was used to provide small interaction forces to the hand of seated participants in one of four directions, while the participants were asked to identify the direction of the push while blindfolded. The result shows that participants’ ability to correctly report the direction of the interaction force was lower with low interaction force as well as with high muscle contraction. The sensitivity to the interaction force direction increased with the radial displacement of the participant’s hand from the initial position: the further they moved the more correct their responses were. It was also observed that the estimated stiffness of the arm varies with the level of muscle contraction and robot interaction force.

scholarly journals Design and Development of an Upper Limb Rehabilitative Robot with Dual Functionality

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 870
Author(s):  
Md Rasedul Islam ◽  
Md Assad-Uz-Zaman ◽  
Brahim Brahmi ◽  
Yassine Bouteraa ◽  
Inga Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Control Technique ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Interaction Forces ◽  
End Effector ◽  
Upper Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
End Point ◽  
Limb Rehabilitation

The design of an upper limb rehabilitation robot for post-stroke patients is considered a benchmark problem regarding improving functionality and ensuring better human–robot interaction (HRI). Existing upper limb robots perform either joint-based exercises (exoskeleton-type functionality) or end-point exercises (end-effector-type functionality). Patients may need both kinds of exercises, depending on the type, level, and degree of impairments. This work focused on designing and developing a seven-degrees-of-freedom (DoFs) upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton called ‘u-Rob’ that functions as both exoskeleton and end-effector types device. Furthermore, HRI can be improved by monitoring the interaction forces between the robot and the wearer. Existing upper limb robots lack the ability to monitor interaction forces during passive rehabilitation exercises; measuring upper arm forces is also absent in the existing devices. This research work aimed to develop an innovative sensorized upper arm cuff to measure the wearer’s interaction forces in the upper arm. A PID control technique was implemented for both joint-based and end-point exercises. The experimental results validated both types of functionality of the developed robot.

Configuration Design and Simulation of Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation Train

2014 ◽  
Vol 701-702 ◽  
pp. 654-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Ji Liang Jiang ◽  
Li Yuan Zhang ◽  
Rui Rui Shen
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Motion Simulation ◽  
Upper Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
Motion Data ◽  
Upper Limb Exoskeleton ◽  
Movement Data ◽  
Kinematics Simulation ◽  
Motion Process ◽  
Limb Rehabilitation

A new upper limb exoskeleton mechanical structure for rehabilitation train and electric putters were used to drive the upper limb exoskeleton and kinematics simulation was carried. According to the characteristics of upper limb exoskeleton, program control and master - slave control two different ways were presented. Motion simulation analysis had been done by Pro/E Mechanism, the motion data of electric putter and major joints had been extracted. Based on the analysis of the movement data it can effectively guide the electric putter control and analysis upper limb exoskeleton motion process.

scholarly journals Experimental Evaluation on Haptic Feedback Accuracy by Using Two Self-Made Haptic Devices and One Additional Interface in Robotic Teleoperation

Actuators ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Guan-Yang Liu ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
Chen Guan ◽  
Dong-Tao Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Force Sensor ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Haptic Device ◽  
Human Hand ◽  
Haptic Devices ◽  
Input Noise ◽  
Output Force ◽  
Robotic Teleoperation

The goal of haptic feedback in robotic teleoperation is to enable users to accurately feel the interaction force measured at the slave side and precisely understand what is happening in the slave environment. The accuracy of the feedback force describing the error between the actual feedback force felt by a user at the master side and the measured interaction force at the slave side is the key performance indicator for haptic display in robotic teleoperation. In this paper, we evaluate the haptic feedback accuracy in robotic teleoperation via experimental method. A special interface iHandle and two haptic devices, iGrasp-T and iGrasp-R, designed for robotic teleoperation are developed for experimental evaluation. The device iHandle integrates a high-performance force sensor and a micro attitude and heading reference system which can be used to identify human upper limb motor abilities, such as posture maintenance and force application. When a user is asked to grasp the iHandle and maintain a fixed position and posture, the fluctuation value of hand posture is measured to be between 2 and 8 degrees. Based on the experimental results, human hand tremble as input noise sensed by the haptic device is found to be a major reason that results in the noise of output force from haptic device if the spring-damping model is used to render feedback force. Therefore, haptic rendering algorithms should be independent of hand motion information to avoid input noise from human hand to the haptic control loop in teleoperation. Moreover, the iHandle can be fixed at the end effector of haptic devices; iGrasp-T or iGrasp-R, to measure the output force/torque from iGrasp-T or iGrasp-Rand to the user. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the output force from haptic device iGrasp-T is approximately 0.92 N, and using the force sensor in the iHandle can compensate for the output force inaccuracy of device iGrasp-T to 0.1 N. Using a force sensor as the feedback link to form a closed-loop feedback force control system is an effective way to improve the accuracy of feedback force and guarantee high-fidelity of feedback forces at the master side in robotic teleoperation.

scholarly journals Postural Synergy-Based Exoskeleton Reproducing Natural Human Movements to Improve Upper Limb Motor Control after Stroke

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang He ◽  
Cai-Hua Xiong ◽  
Ze-Jian Chen ◽  
Wei Fan ◽  
Xiao-Lin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Interaction Force ◽  
Human Anatomy ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Upper Limb Exoskeleton ◽  
Human Movements

Abstract Background: Upper limb exoskeletons have drawn significant attention in neurorehabilitation because of anthropomorphic mechanical structure analogous to human anatomy. Whereas, the training movements are typically underorganized because most exoskeletons only control the movement of the hand in space, without considering rehabilitation of joint motion, particularly inter-joint postural synergy. The purposes of this study were to explore the application of a postural synergy-based exoskeleton (Armule) reproducing natural human movements for robot-assisted neurorehabilitation and to preliminarily assess its effect on patients' upper limb motor control after stroke. Methods: We developed a novel upper limb exoskeleton based on the concept of postural synergy, which provided five degrees of freedom (DOF) , natural human movements of the upper limb. Eight participants with hemiplegia due to a first-ever, unilateral stroke were recruited and included. They participated in exoskeleton therapy sessions 45 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks, with passive/active training under anthropomorphic trajectories and postures. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremities (FMA-UE). The secondary outcomes were the Action Research Arm Test(ARAT), modified Barthel Index (mBI) , and exoskeleton kinematic as well as interaction force metrics: motion smoothness in the joint space, postural synergy error, interaction force smoothness, and the intent response rate. Results: After the 4-weeks intervention, all subjects showed significant improvements in the following clinical measures: the FMA-UE ( p =0.02), the ARAT ( p =0.003), and the mBI score ( p <0.001). Besides, all subjects showed significant improvements in motion smoothness ( p =0.004), postural synergy error ( p =0.014), interaction force smoothness ( p =0.004), and the intent response rate ( p =0.008). Conclusions: The subjects were well adapted to our device that assisted in completing functional movements with natural human movement characteristics. The results of the preliminary clinical intervention indicate that the Armule exoskeleton improves individuals’ motor control and activities of daily living (ADL) function after stroke, which might be associated with kinematic and interaction force optimization and postural synergy modification during functional tasks. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900026656; Date of registration: October 17, 2019. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=44420

scholarly journals Design and Analysis of a Wearable Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot with Characteristics of Tension Mechanism

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 2101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaixiang Pang ◽  
Tongyu Wang ◽  
Zhanli Wang ◽  
Junzhi Yu ◽  
Zhongbo Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Wrist Joint ◽  
Traction Force ◽  
Rehabilitation Robot ◽  
Upper Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
Freedom Of Movement ◽  
Human Arm ◽  
Toothed Belt ◽  
Limb Rehabilitation

Nowadays, patients with mild and moderate upper limb paralysis caused by cerebral apoplexy are uncomfortable with autonomous rehabilitation. In this paper, according to the “rope + toothed belt” generalized rope drive design scheme, we design a utility model for a wearable upper limb rehabilitation robot with a tension mechanism. Owing to study of the human upper extremity anatomy, movement mechanisms, and the ranges of motion, it can determine the range of motion angles of the human arm joints, and design the shoulder joint, elbow joint, and wrist joint separately under the principle of ensuring the minimum driving torque. Then, the kinematics, workspace and dynamics analysis of each structure are performed. Finally, the control system of the rehabilitation robot is designed. The experimental results show that the structure is convenient to wear on the human body, and the robot’s freedom of movement matches well with the freedom of movement of the human body. It can effectively support and traction the front and rear arms of the affected limb, and accurately transmit the applied traction force to the upper limb of the joints. The rationality of the wearable upper limb rehabilitation robot design is verified, which can help patients achieve rehabilitation training and provide an effective rehabilitation equipment for patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke.

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