Exoskeletons are definitely the way to go to boost and assist people’s natural strength. There have been numerous exoskeleton prototypes created, but most of them cost an arm and a leg to make. That’s not the case of the Titan Arm, winner of the 2013 James Dyson Award.
The Titan Arm was designed by four mechanical engineering students at the University of Pennsylvania, and it’s a low-cost upper body exoskeleton that was developed for use to lift heavy objects and health care. The exoskeleton increases the user’s arm strength by up to 40 pounds to reduce fatigue, and braces the back.
Those with injuries can also use the exoskeleton to help rebuild muscles and relearn fine motor control. The working prototype was created for less than $2,000(USD), using 3D printing and CNC machining technologies.
[via designboom]
