In the natural realm, an exoskeleton is a hard structure that covers an animal's body surface, providing support and protection. For example, the shell of a crab and the cuticle of insects are exoskeletons.
In the artificial realm, an exoskeleton refers to a wearable robotic device that can coordinate with human movements, providing additional power or capability to enhance human functions. Such exoskeletons are typically composed of a mechanical structure, actuators, sensors, controllers, and power supply devices. The materials for exoskeletons need to be light and strong, commonly including aerospace hard aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, titanium-aluminum alloys, composite materials, nanomaterials, and flexible textile materials.
Exoskeletons have a wide range of applications and can primarily be divided into military exoskeletons, civilian exoskeletons, and medical exoskeletons.
Military exoskeletons are mainly used to enhance a soldier's individual combat capabilities. They enable soldiers to easily carry heavy weapons and equipment, increase their speed and endurance, and provide protection and life-support functions.
Civilian exoskeletons are primarily used to help the elderly and disabled individuals recover or enhance their walking abilities. These exoskeletons can drive external mechanical structures based on human intent and signals, simulating normal gait movements.
Medical exoskeletons are mainly used to assist patients with nerve damage or muscle atrophy in conducting rehabilitation training. Through sensors and controllers, they monitor and adjust the body's movement state, providing appropriate assistive force or resistance to promote the recovery of nerves and muscles.
Medical exoskeletons are devices aimed at assisting or enhancing human motor functions, particularly suitable for rehabilitation and aiding people with mobility challenges. From their initial simple mechanical structures to modern highly intelligent devices, medical exoskeletons have undergone a long and complex development process.
Entering the 21st century, medical exoskeleton technology has seen explosive growth. Advances in new materials, artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and other fields have made medical exoskeletons lighter, more comfortable, and more powerful.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Medical exoskeletons are widely used in rehabilitation medicine to help patients with spinal cord injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions regain walking ability.
Scientific Research
Medical exoskeletons are also widely used in biomechanics research, helping scientists better understand human movement mechanisms.
With continuous technological advancements, the application prospects for medical exoskeletons will become broader. Future medical exoskeletons may be lighter, more flexible, and better coordinated with the natural movement of the human body. Additionally, the application of artificial intelligence and big data technology will further enhance the intelligence level of medical exoskeletons, allowing them to more accurately perceive users' needs and provide personalized assistance.
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