Affordable Exoskeleton

In recent years, many advancements in robotics have been focused on enhancing the personal mobility issues of the disabled and aged, as well as offering body-booster technology for industrial workers, nurses, firefighters and soldiers. The problem is that all of these technologies have been too expensive for widespread individual use. But a new system has recently become available that brings the cost within reach for many more individuals.

The Phoenix robotic exoskeleton is designed to minimize weight, complexity and cost while maximizing intelligence – including gait analysis and self-stability. The modular design is adjustable and configurable to user needs, and movement is controlled by buttons integrated into a pair of crutches.

The system weighs about 12 kg (27 pounds) and enables users to walk at speeds of up to 1.1 miles per hour. A battery backpack provides power for up to 8 hours of operation on a full charge. The current cost of $40,000 is less than half of previously available systems, although there’s still room for improvement.