Bio-inspired active soft orthotic device for ankle foot pathologies

Yong Lae Park, Bor Rong Chen, Diana Young, Leia Stirling, Robert J. Wood, Eugene Goldfield, Radhika Nagpal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

124 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the design of an active soft ankle-foot orthotic device powered by pneumatic artificial muscles for treating gait pathologies associated with neuromuscular disorders. The design is inspired by the biological musculoskeletal system of a human foot and a lower leg, and mimics the muscle-tendon-ligament structure. A key feature of the device is that it is fabricated with flexible and soft materials that provide assistance without restricting degrees of freedom at the ankle joint. Three pneumatic artificial muscles assist dorsiflexion as well as inversion and eversion. The prototype is also equipped with various embedded sensors for gait training and gait pattern analysis. The prototype is capable of 12°dorsiflexion from a resting position of an ankle joint and a 20°dorsiflexion from plantarflexion. Results of early feedback control experiments show controllability of ankle joint angles. Ultimately, we envision a system that not only can provide physical support to improve mobility but also can increase safety and stability during walking, while enhancing muscle usage and encouraging rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIROS'11 - 2011 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems
Subtitle of host publicationCelebrating 50 Years of Robotics
Pages4488-4495
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event2011 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems: Celebrating 50 Years of Robotics, IROS'11 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Sep 25 2011Sep 30 2011

Publication series

NameIEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems

Conference

Conference2011 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems: Celebrating 50 Years of Robotics, IROS'11
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period9/25/119/30/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Software
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Computer Science Applications

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