Italy

Orion: EMG driven Exoskeleton

Description of Invention

Nowadays、 a major issue which must be solved is disability. A study shows that 70 million people worldwide are paralysed、 which is about one percent of the whole global population. However、 this is actually a conservative estimate. We are often referring to young individuals、 in their 20s、 30s and 40s、 with spinal cord injuries provoked by accidents、 who are now in wheelchairs because it is considered their only option. Additionally、 the ageing fragment of the population is doubling; therefore when various compliances occur such as a stroke、 their only remedy is a wheelchair. From this issue I began examine in depth Human-Machine interfaces and how we can use our body to control devices. Here is when Orion comes into place. The aim of this project is to illustrate how humans and bionics can interact and how electro-mechanisms can close the gap formed between human's limitation and potentials. The project has lead to the designing of an exoskeleton capable of enhancing strength. This system establishes muscle contraction through an electromyography、 which then a micro-controller sends commands to the exoskeleton in order to mimic the movements of the arm、 giving it extra strength. In the near future Orion will become an integral system that could aid recover of abilities、 but most of all、 give back the freedom of movement that every individual has the right to posses.

Inventor(s)