Harvard has advanced a robotic exoskeleton

that enhances strolling and reduces the danger of falls in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Robotic exoskeletons are commonly categorized into two primary types, one designed for workers with physically demanding jobs, and the other focusing on assistive technology for individuals with mobility impairments. The latter often involves soft robotic exoskeletons with fabric components, tailored to provide day-to-day assistance. These systems are increasingly addressing specific mobility issues faced by individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, where “freezing” during walking is a common challenge leading to falls.
In a collaborative effort between Harvard and Boston University, a recent study published in Nature Medicine showcases the potential of soft robotic exoskeletons in mitigating the freezing issue in Parkinson’s patients. The wearable technology incorporates sensors to detect movement, employing algorithms to estimate the user’s gait. Cable-driven actuators provide mechanical assistance mid-stride, leading to instantaneous and consistent improvements in walking conditions for the individuals involved in the study. Harvard professor Conor Walsh highlights the significance of even a small amount of mechanical assistance, which proved effective in eliminating freezing episodes and enhancing walking performance.
The research team’s work involved a 73-year-old Parkinson’s patient experiencing more than 10 freezing episodes daily. Over six months, the soft robotic exoskeleton not only eliminated freezing during indoor walks but also enabled the patient to walk further and faster. The Bio design Lab, responsible for this innovation, previously designed an exosuit for stroke patients, indicating the potential for this technology to follow a path toward commercialization based on its promising early results.

Source: Techcrunch