Man needed millions of years to master the art of movement on two legs.

But scientists say that in the near future we will be able to reach new heights in this business, using an exoskeleton without power to modify the structure of our ankles.

The unique device, which is described in the journal Nature, adds strength to every step, while reducing energy costs by 7% compared to conventional walking in athletic shoes.

This device can be useful not only for people who have trouble walking, such as victims of a stroke. Imagine how you can increase the chances of healthy people who work all the time on their feet - military, security guards, postmen, and others..

To outwit mother nature, North Carolina State University staff and Carnegie Mellon University have created a lightweight mechanical device for the lower legs and ankles that helps the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon during walking.

Exoskeleton consists of carbon fiber and weighs about 500 grams. No motors, no power consumption, no batteries. Simply, cheaply and effectively.

"Exoskeleton without batteries acts like a catapult. It has a spring that mimics the work of the Achilles tendon. It is installed in parallel with your gastrocnemius muscle and reduces the load on it. The device is designed to accumulate its energy by pressing the ground and then releasing it when lifting the foot, "explains Dr. Gregory Sawicki, physiologist and biomedical engineer at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explaining the device and principle of the exoskeleton operation. , co-inventor of the invention.

Participants in a small study, which the inventors conducted at the University of North Carolina - nine active adults - wore an exoskeleton during lessons on the treadmill in two modes, running and walking at a normal speed. Scientists compared walking distance in ordinary sports shoes and exoskeleton.

Researchers tested springs with different rigidity to choose the most rational option. It turned out that the most advantageous application of a spring with medium hardness. Walking in an exoskeleton with such a spring resulted in a 7% energy saving.

"The 7% energy saved is equivalent to a 10-pound backpack behind the shoulders, which is very important, especially for representatives of some professions.

Although we are surprised by the wonders of human evolution in this area, we see that there are many things left in human biomechanics that need to be studied and improved, "write the researchers.

"One day, we will get a simple, lightweight and relatively inexpensive exoskeleton that will help a person walk better, which is very valuable for aging and a number of diseases," predicts co-author of the invention Dr. Steven Collins, an engineer, robotics expert from the University Carnegie Mellon.

medbe. en.

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