Working on Design and control of Upper Body Passive Exoskeleton: A Development for Industrial Application using Pakistani anthropometric data

Project Title

Working on Design and control of Upper Body Passive Exoskeleton: A Development for Industrial Application using Pakistani anthropometric data

Project Area of Specialization Wearables and ImplantableProject Summary

Exoskeleton can be best described as a wearable electro-mechanical device that helps to increase the lifting capabilities of human body and efficiency. It consists of various components like actuators, iron limbs, levers, pneumatic cylinders and many other innovative components to enhance the performance. There are two types of Exoskeleton 1) Powered Exoskeleton: that includes motors and computerized electrical components. 2) Passive Exoskeleton: it includes completely use a series of purely mechanical devices. The Exoskeleton supports the user’s legs, hands, shoulder, waist, thighs etc. while also providing assistance in lifting objects seamlessly and reducing fatigue on muscles. A passive exoskeleton however does provide a similar mechanical advantage to the user as that of a powered exoskeleton. For medical applications, powered exoskeletons have improved the quality of life by enabling system-assisted walking to those who have partially or completely lost the ability to walk. Assistance during surgery by enhancing precision is also another positive impact of exoskeletons. An example of exoskeleton in defence is the ONYX suit which aims to support soldiers in performing physically draining tasks such as crossing uneven terrains. On the other hand, the usage of passive exoskeletons has been in the many industries, with the goal of reducing injuries and errors caused by fatigue.

Project Objectives

1. To enhance workers lifting capabilities.
2. To increase the efficiency and performance of workers.
3. To reduce injuries and errors cause by muscular fatigue.
4. To help disable and elderly people get strength.

Project Implementation Method

This project will be implemented in various sectors for example industrial sector where worker needs to increase their effciency to increase the productivity. This project can also be implemented in medical sector for physiotherapy and can also be used for soldiers to enhance their skills.

Benefits of the Project

Our study will reduce muscular fatigue, enhance lifting capabilities of user, increase efficiency and performance, improve productivity, and reduce occupational injuries. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

1. Skeleton structure.
2. Pneumatic System.

Skeleton Structure:

In this section we will collect anthropometric data of Pakistan and then design a structural model using Solid Works. This structure will hold all the pneumatic system and serve as a supporting body for the user.

Pneumatic System:

A pneumatic system is a system that uses compressed air to transmit and control energy. Pneumatic systems are used extensively in various industries. Most pneumatic systems rely on a constant supply of compressed air to make them work. This is provided by an air compressor. We will build a pneumatic system that will provide power to the limbs to lift weights.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry ManufacturingOther IndustriesCore Technology Wearables and ImplantablesOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for People, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	78810
Perforated square tubes of 1x1(6 ft).	Equipment	6	600	3600
Male and Female rod end bearings.	Equipment	8	420	3360
¾ inch steel rods	Equipment	6	250	1500
Webbing and Buckles	Miscellaneous	8	500	4000
Straps	Miscellaneous	4	500	2000
Fastenings	Miscellaneous	35	90	3150
Pneumatic cylinders	Equipment	4	11000	44000
An industrial festo valve bank	Equipment	1	6000	6000
Flow control valves	Equipment	6	1200	7200
Meter in and meter out flow valves	Equipment	8	500	4000