Walking through an airport or around a large store can take more energy as we get older.Researchers in China are now testing a soft robotic suit that could someday help your legs do some of that work.The experimental soft exosuit assists the hips using thin artificial muscles instead of conventional motors and gearboxes.
The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, describes a 4.2-pound prototype that fits around the waist and thighs like a lightweight harness.In a small treadmill test, six healthy adults used an average of 13.9% less energy while the powered assistance was active.Sensors also showed that their leg muscles worked less.So, how does the soft exosuit actually work, and what still needs to improve before you could ever wear one?SELF-DRESSING CLOTHES COULD HELP OLDER ADULTSThe experimental soft exosuit fits around the waist and thighs, moving with the wearer like a lightweight harness.
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You’ll also learn how to curb political texts, clean up your inbox and spot messages that could put your personal information at risk.Get the free replay and checklist now at CyberGuyLive.com.Many robotic exoskeletons rely on rigid motors to move a person’s joints.Others use compressed air, which requires pumps, valves and an air tank.
Those components can make an exoskeleton heavy or noisy.They can also restrict how naturally your body moves.The new soft exosuit takes a different approach.
It uses flexible muscle-like fibers positioned near each hip.As you walk, the fibers pull at the right point in your stride to help move your leg forward.
Straps transfer th...