The science of walking is taking its next big step with the aid of a unique exoskeleton that allows users to walk further while using less energy. Developed by a multidisciplinary team from the Queen's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the backpack-mounted prototype removes energy during a specific phase of the gait cycle, lessening the metabolic cost of walking. Details of the device's development and evaluation were published today in Science카지노 게임 컬렉션�one of the world's foremost academic journals.

Unlike existing exoskeleton technologies that either add energy or transfer it from one phase of the gait cycle to another, this new device assists users by removing energy which helps the knee muscles during a critical moment카지노 게임 컬렉션�called the terminal swing phase.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�Removing energy from a person's legs during walking may sound counterintuitive, like applying the brake in a moving car,카지노 게임 컬렉션� says Michael Shepertycky, a recent PhD graduate and lead author of the study, 카지노 게임 컬렉션�but our muscles naturally remove energy while we walk, and our device helps them to do so.카지노 게임 컬렉션�

The team envisages the technology카지노 게임 컬렉션�which weighs just over half a kilogram카지노 게임 컬렉션�enabling hikers to walk longer distances or helping nurses be less tired after a long shift on their feet.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�Improving walking and running economy has been an important topic of research for the past two decades, due to its scientific and practical implications,카지노 게임 컬렉션� says Qingguo Li, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and co-author of the study. 카지노 게임 컬렉션�Walking is a delicate and highly optimized process, which makes it difficult to use exoskeletons to improve walking efficiency.카지노 게임 컬렉션�

In addition to assisting the user, the device converts the removed energy into electricity that can be used to power the device's control system and other portable devices. This energy harvesting capability could be particularly useful for individuals travelling on foot in remote locations, allowing them to charge cellular phones or GPS devices. Yan-Fei Liu, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and co-author of the study, led the development of the device's power electronics.

The team's interdisciplinary approach included elements of walking biomechanics, physiology, human-machine interactions, and design innovation. Much of this research was conducted in the Human Mobility Research Centre, a Queen's/Kingston Health Sciences Centre facility equipped with world-class gait analysis technology.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�For the first time, we have demonstrated that removing energy can increase walking efficiency,카지노 게임 컬렉션� says Dr. Shepertycky. 카지노 게임 컬렉션�This is a significant advancement in the field of exoskeleton development, and one with the potential to change the way that we approach gait assistance. The publication of this work in one of the most prestigious scientific journals highlights the research expertise and excellent facilities at Queen's, as well as the world-class multidisciplinary education that I received here.카지노 게임 컬렉션�

Learn more about the exoskeleton project on the .