American researchers at the University of Houston have developed the first soft exoskeleton of its kind for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. The study is published in the scientific journal IEEE Electronic Devices (IEEEED).
The device, called MyoStep, is fitted with a comprehensive sensor system with surface temperature sensors. It improves ankle joint coordination, which significantly facilitates the walking process and reduces the energy expenditure of users when moving.
The development team focused on perfecting the joint control system using innovative materials—shape memory alloys and dielectric elastomers. These components work in tandem with a wireless sensor network that provides precise control of every movement. According to the designers, their device will be able to adapt to changes as the child wearing it grows.
Source: gazeta.ru
