Soft exosuit helps older adults stand up and walk more efficiently
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich developed a soft, lightweight exosuit that assists hip extension using artificial tendons to help older adults stand up from chairs and walk more efficiently. In a study of ten older adults aged 69-85, participants achieved up to four additional sit-and-stand cycles per minute with cycle duration shortened by up to 21.9%, and walking metabolic cost improved by an average of 14%. The exosuit uses machine learning and thigh sensors to detect movements in real time and provide support at the hip, and participants rated their sense of personal agency above 6 on a 7-point scale, indicating high perceived autonomy.
