Robotic Skeleton Takes Load Off Humans
From: Daily Californian - 03/11/2004
By: Regina Chen

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a self-powered, robotic skeleton
that is designed to frame the human body, called Berkeley Lower Extremity
Exoskeleton (BLEEX). Homayoon Kazerooni, a mechanical engineering professor
who is the director of the Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory,
believes BLEEX is a breakthrough because of the natural way in which humans
and the robot interact. The exoskeleton consists of metal leg braces, a
computerized power unit, and a structure that resembles a backpack; the
device enables users to carry heavy loads across long distances. During BLEEX
experiments, a man wearing the 100-pound frame and a 70-pound backpack felt
as if he was carrying just a few pounds. The exoskeleton is easy to use, only
requiring wearers to balance it while its computer calculates controlling the
frame so it moves in sync with the operator. The researchers believe BLEEX
could be used by medics to carry injured soldiers off battlefields, by
firefighters to carry equipment up flights of stairs, by rescue workers to
bring food and emergency supplies to areas that can not be reached by
vehicle, and by hikers to ease their treks. The UC Berkeley team wants to
make parts of the exoskeleton more compact, the engine more powerful and
quieter, and the frame strong enough to carry 120 pounds. BLEEX is a key
development because researchers envision robotics as a way to help computers
interact with the real world. 

http://www.dailycal.org/particle.php?id=14517

