Vanderbilt exoskeleton

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton, marketed as Indego,[1][2] is a powered exoskeleton designed by the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics at Vanderbilt University in the U.S. state of Tennessee.[3][4] It is intended to assist paraplegics, stroke victims and other paralyzed or semi-paralyzed people to walk independently.[5] Motion and control technologies manufacturer Parker Hannifin is funding further development, and plans to release the first commercial version of the exoskeleton in 2015.[6][7]

Indego
ManufacturerVanderbilt University
Parker Hannifin
CountryUnited States
Year of creation2010 (prototype)
TypePowered exoskeleton
PurposeMedical

Rationale

In 2012, there were estimated to be over 270,000 Americans with long-term spinal cord injuries, of whom around 21 percent suffer from complete paraplegia.[8] The lifetime cost of care and lost productivity for each paraplegic ranges from US$1.4 million to $2.2 million.[8] However, since the late 2000s, robotics and battery technology have become sufficiently advanced to make wearable walking assistance devices viable.[9][10]

Design

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton weighs 27 pounds (12 kg) and can support users weighing up to 200 pounds (91 kg).[3][4] It is strapped to the user's legs, and uses an onboard computer to detect the user's movements, which are then supported and amplified by battery-powered motors in the exoskeleton's hip and knee joints.[5] It also uses functional electrical stimulation to enervate the muscles of paralyzed patients, improving their strength and circulation,[11] and can be quickly disassembled for removal.[12] It can be used interchangeably with a wheelchair, and can be donned without assistance, allowing disabled individuals significantly greater independence.[5] It is compact enough for a person to sit in a normal chair without needing to remove the exoskeleton.[12]

Development

Vanderbilt University began testing its exoskeleton with paraplegics and medical experts at a rehabilitation center in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010.[12] In October 2012, Parker Hannifin signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vanderbilt University for the right to develop and manufacture a commercial version of the exoskeleton, which it plans to release under the name Indego.[6][1] Whereas current commercial exoskeletons can cost as much as $140,000, Parker Hannifin hopes to exploit its manufacturing capabilities and the Vanderbilt model's lightweight design to ensure that the Indego is significantly cheaper.[5] In March 2014, Parker Hannifin entered into clinical trial agreements for the exoskeleton with several major medical rehabilitation centres.[7] In December 2014, Parker Hannifin invested in Freedom Innovations, a California-based prosthetic technology company with which it had a pre-existing partnership, to further the development of Indego.[13] Following regulatory approval, Parker Hannifin plans to release Indego in Europe in 2015 and in the United States in 2016.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Wearable robots getting lighter, more portable". South Coast Today. May 30, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  2. "Parker Hannifin names its new exoskeleton device Indego". Crain's Cleveland. January 21, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  3. Gene Ostrovsky (October 30, 2012). "Inspired by Segway Scooter, Vanderbilt Exoskeleton Gets Paralyzed on Their Legs". Rehab. Medgadget.com. Retrieved December 12, 2012. Medgadget is an independent journal of the latest medical gadgets, technologies and discoveries written, edited and published by a group of MDs and biomed engineers.
  4. "Powered Exoskeleton". Vanderbilt University. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  5. "Advanced exoskeleton promises more independence for people with paraplegia". Vanderbilt University. October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  6. "Parker Signs Licensing Agreement with Vanderbilt for Exoskeleton Technology and Targets Commercial Launch in 2014". Parker Hannifin. October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  7. "Parker Hannifin enters clinical trial agreements for its Indego exoskeleton". Crain's Cleveland. March 4, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  8. "Spinal Cord Injury Facts & Figures (PDF)" (PDF). University of Alabama: National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. February 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  9. "NASA's strange robotic suit could pave way to Mars, make astronauts safe". Science Recorder. December 11, 2012. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  10. "I am Iron Man: Top 5 Exoskeleton Robots". Discovery News. 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  11. "Vanderbilt University steps into the exoskeleton market". Gizmag. October 31, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  12. "This Light, Affordable Exoskeleton Could Help The Paralyzed Walk Again". Fast CoExist. November 28, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  13. "Parker Hannifin strengthens Indego exoskeleton development efforts with investment in California company". Crain's Cleveland. December 4, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
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