The exoskeleton expansion: improving walking and running economy

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Robotics
• Human Augmentation Technologies

Background:

• Lower-limb exoskeletons aim to reduce the metabolic cost of human locomotion.
• A significant breakthrough occurred in 2013, overcoming the metabolic cost barrier.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature from 2013 to 2020 on exoskeleton designs that enhance walking and running economy.
• To identify key innovations enabling exoskeletons to surpass the metabolic cost barrier.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis of 23 studies demonstrating improved walking and running economy with exoskeletons.
• Review of innovations in physiologically-informed joint targeting, off-board actuators, mechatronic designs, and human-exoskeleton interface.

Main Results:

• 23 studies confirmed exoskeleton designs that improve human walking and running economy.
• Key innovations include advanced control strategies, optimized mechatronic designs (active and passive), and improved interface design.

Conclusions:

• Exoskeleton technology has steadily improved user mobility and performance since 2013.
• Emerging trends and future challenges in wearable device performance augmentation are identified.