Paper:
New Robot Technology Concept Applicable to Human Physical Support – The Concept and Possibility of the Muscle Suit (Wearable Muscular Support Apparatus) –
Hiroshi Kobayashi*, Taisuke Matsushita*, Yusuke Ishida**, and Kohki Kikuchi***
*Department of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
**Graduate School, Tokyo Universigy of Science, 1-3 Kagumazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
***Department of Precision Machine, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
To the paralyzed or those otherwise enable to move on their own, we have been developing “muscle suit” providing muscular support. Muscle suit are worn and use a McKibben actuator driven by compressed air. Because actuators are sewn into a garment, no metal frame is needed, making a muscle suit very light and cheap. Most medical and welfare apparatuses were developing for caregivers rather than patients in need of nursing, causing patients to lose their own identity and a positive attitude. With muscle suit, they could control their movement of their own will. Muscle suit are very helpful for muscular and mental support.
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Copyright© 2002 by Fuji Technology Press Ltd. and Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All right reserved.