Design and human–machine compatibility analysis of Co-Exos II for upper-limb rehabilitation
ISSN: 0144-5154
Article publication date: 26 September 2019
Issue publication date: 3 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Upper-limb joint kinematics are highly complex and the kinematics of rehabilitation exoskeletons fail to reproduce them, resulting in hyperstaticity and human–machine incompatibility. The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a compatible exoskeleton robot (Co-Exos II) to address these problems.
Design/methodology/approach
The configuration synthesis of Co-Exos II is completed using advanced mechanism theory. A compatible configuration is selected and four passive joints are introduced into the connecting interfaces based on optimal configuration principles. A Co-Exos II prototype with nine degrees of freedom (DOFs) is developed and still owns a compact structure and volume. A new approach is presented to compensate the vertical glenohumeral (GH) movements. Co-Exos II and the upper arm are simplified as a guide-bar mechanism at the elevating plane. The theoretical displacements of passive joints are calculated by the kinematic model of the shoulder loop. The compatible experiments are completed to measure the kinematics of passive joints.
Findings
The compatible configuration of the passive joints can effectively reduce the gravity influences of the exoskeleton device and the upper extremities. The passive joints exhibit excellent compensation effect for the GH joint movements by comparing the theoretical and measured results. Passive joints can compensate for most GH movements, especially vertical movements.
Originality/value
Co-Exos II possesses good human–machine compatibility and wearable comfort for the affected upper limbs. The proposed compensation method is convenient to therapists and stroke patients during the rehabilitation trainings.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is partially supported by the projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51705007, No. 51675008), Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (No. 3171001, No. 17L20019), Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Education Committee (No. KM201810005015).
Citation
Zhang, L., Li, J., Ji, S., Su, P., Tao, C. and Ji, R. (2019), "Design and human–machine compatibility analysis of Co-Exos II for upper-limb rehabilitation", Assembly Automation, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 715-726. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-09-2018-0127
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited