Exoskeletal System for Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

A system of sensors and actuators designed to fit on the lower extremities of human patients and astronauts like an exoskeleton is under development to serve diverse purposes in neuromuscular research and rehabilitation. This system will be operated under both Earth and microgravity conditions. A product of integrated research efforts in several fields of science and engineering, the design of the system incorporates advances in microsensors, robotics, and mathematical modeling of the dynamics of walking. The design of the system has been guided by research findings that show that the spinal cord (even when cut off from the brain by injury) is capable of relearning the ability to walk.