Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:10, 7 December 2014

Revision as of 20:33, 19 March 2016

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==''Exoskeletons''==

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

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In 2010 The lab unveiled ''eLEGS'', which stands for "Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System." ''eLEGS'' is another hydraulically powered exoskeleton system, and allows paraplegics to stand and walk with crutches or a walker. The computer interface uses force and motion sensors to monitor the user's gestures and motion, and uses this information to intelligently interpret the intent of the user and translate it into appropriate action. Users can "put on and take off the device by themselves as well as walk, turn, sit down, and stand up unaided".<ref name=BerkeleyeLEGS>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/elegs%E2%84%A2/eLEGS] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

In 2011 ''eLEGS'' was renamed ''Ekso''. ''Ekso'' weighs 45 pounds (20&nbsp;kg), has a maximum speed of 2&nbsp;mph (3.2 kph) and a battery life of 6 hours. It is suitable for users weighing up to 220 pounds, who are between 5&nbsp;ft 2in and 6&nbsp;ft 4in tall and can transfer themselves from a wheelchair to a chair. It allows the user to "walk in a straight line, stand from a sitting position, stand for an extended period of time, and sit down from a standing position".<ref name=BBStatistics>[http://www.exoskeleton-suit.com/BerkeleyBionics.html Exoskeleton] ''Berkeley Bionics''. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

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In 2009 the laboratory/[[Berkeley Bionics]] unveiled ''HULC'', which stands for [[Human Universal Load Carrier]].''HULC'' is a more sophisticated and capable development of the above projects. It can carry a 200 -pound load, and reduces the metabolic energy needed by the wearer to perform a given task. "In this way the device can significantly increase the range and length of tasks the wearer can perform."<ref name=MMag/><ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/hulc/ ''HULC''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

In particular, ''HULC'' has potential military uses, and in 2009 a licensing and development agreement was reached with [[Lockheed Martin]].<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2009/february/LockheedMartinUnveilsExos.htmlLockheedMartin Unveils Exoskeleton Technology at AUSA Winter Symposium] ''Lockheed Martin'', 26 February 2009.</ref>

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==See also==

*[[UC Berkeley College of Engineering]]

*[[Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory]]

*[[Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton]]

*[[Human Universal Load Carrier]]

*[[Ekso Bionics]]

*[[Human Universal Load Carrier]]

*[[Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory]]

*[[UC Berkeley College of Engineering]]

==References==