Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:26, 8 September 2012

Revision as of 02:45, 7 November 2012

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==''Exoskeletons''==

====Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (Bleex)====

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The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton, commonly abbreviated Bleex, is an intelligent, bionic exoskeleton system that provided soldiers, disaster relief workers, wildfire fighters, and other emergency personnel the ability to carry major loads.<ref name="What the BLEEX Is That?">{{cite news|title=What the BLEEX Is That?|url=http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/03/62630|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)]], November 3, 2004|accessdate=27 January 2012|date=11 March 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Exoskeleton Strength|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/magazine/12EXO.html|publisher=[[The New York Times Magazine]]|accessdate=27 January 2012|first=Noah|last=Shachtman|date=12 December 2004}}</ref>

====ExoHiker====

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''ExoHiker'' was designed to help hikers carry heavy loads on their back, up to 150 pounds, over extended periods of time. It's design was completed by February 2005. The battery powered skeletal system is controlled with a handheld LCD display. It can be strapped on to the body of hiker between 5&nbsp;ft 4in and 6&nbsp;ft 2in in height, like a wearable robot. The skeleton is easy to put on and take off. Altogether, the ''ExoHiker'' weighs 31 pounds, and is virtually noiseless. It can operate at an average speed of 2.5&nbsp;mph for 42 miles with just one 80 Watt-hour lithium polymer battery weighing 1.2 pounds. With a small solar panel, its "mission time" can be unlimited.<ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/exohiker/ ''ExoHiker''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref><ref name=MMag>[http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20111218/lab-report-xvi#more-22198 Lab Report XVI]''Metropolis Magazine'', 18 December 2011.</ref>

====Ekso/eLegs====

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''Ekso'' is currently undergoing further development and clinical trials in rehabilitation centers.<ref>[http://www.dailytech.com/Kessler+Releases+Video+Progress+of+Ekso+Exoskeleton+Testing+Clinical+Trial+Begins+Jan+2012/article23538.htmKesslerReleases Video Progress of "Ekso" Exoskeleton Testing; Clinical Trial Begins Jan. 2012]''DailyTech'', 16 December 2011.</ref> It should become lighter and more adaptable, and by 2013 should be available for private use at a cost of about $100,000.<ref name=BBStatistics/><ref>[http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/01/06/Exoskeleton-helping-disabled-to-walk/UPI-53221325895641/?spt=hs&or=sn Exoskeleton helping disabled to walk] ''United Press International'', 6 January 2012.</ref>

====ExoClimber====

''ExoClimber'' is an enhancement of ''ExoHiker'' that allows the wearer to ascend stairs and climb steep slopes. It weighs 50 pounds, and for each pound of lithium polymer battery, can assist a climber to ascend 600 feet vertically with a 150-pound load.<ref name=MMag /><ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/exoclimber/ ''ExoClimber''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>