Abstract
The field of wearable robotics has emerged as a leading-edge industry through a surge of development over the last 20 years. The increasing physical and cognitive interaction between robotics and their human creators has set the stage for a host of new robotic applications in medicine, aerospace, military, industry, and personal use. Military and medical applications have driven the development of advanced robotic technology, and their objectives will accelerate applications to neurological, orthopedic, and traumatic injuries that involve lost or degraded motor function of the lower extremities. Key enabling technologies are promoting wearable robotic systems that are effective, practical, affordable, and reliable. The field of wearable robotics is poised to change the way we view human abilities, disabilities, limitations, and potential. This chapter explores the current state of the art in wearable robotics, considering engineering and clinical perspectives. Key aspects of design are addressed and supported by examples to illustrate design features and traits. Finally, results are presented from recent pilot studies of lower extremity systems to support rehabilitation.
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Rovekamp, R.N., Francisco, G.E., Chang, SH., Beck, C.E. (2017). Wearable Robotic Approaches to Lower Extremity Gait Systems. In: Tepe, V., Peterson, C. (eds) Full Stride. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7247-0_5
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