Scientists have created an exoskeleton that can speed up running
The ability to run faster than average speed can be very useful. As one of the ways that will help accomplish this, scientists have proposed using an exoskeleton for a person, which speeds up his natural run at least twice. Its development is being carried out by specialists from the Vanderbilt University, and in the future such a device may be useful not only for professional athletes, but also for employees of rescue services and security forces. His work is based on the principles of the spring mechanism and the catapult. An unusual design in the form of an exoskeleton, that is, a device that is put directly on the body, can speed up a person's running as if he were riding a bicycle. In addition to developing speed records, such a device in the future can become a good support for those who experience certain physical difficulties with the lower limbs. The device works like the pedals of a bicycle, which propel it forward while driving. By the same principle, a person in an exoskeleton will be able to move no slower than when riding a bicycle, while the springs will help him push off the ground. According to the inventors, the legs are capable of working even at rest, and in order to achieve this result, this design with its imitation of a catapult and auxiliary springs can help with this. When designing an exoskeleton for humans, scientists worked out several options before creating the optimal fastening of the springs in order to make them work similarly to the process of the so-called mini-ejection. To test the technology and create the ideal spring shape, a computer model of the device was originally created. In preliminary studies, scientists have suggested that a robotic exoskeleton will improve running efficiency and speed during leg flexion and forward movement. Special springs will provide the body with additional support, and at a certain moment will give it the necessary energy impulse to develop speed. As a result, the inventors received a mechanism, the springs of which are fixed on the legs. When the initial position of the spring is changed, energy is distributed. When stretched, it will accumulate energy, which will then help a person accelerate, releasing at the moment the leg is pushed off the surface. This will lead to increased bounce, and as a result, such a "human robot" will be able to accelerate. In the future, the developers plan to supplement the exoskeleton with several speeds using the example of how this happens in a bicycle using gears. At this stage, development is at the stage of a working prototype and is undergoing the necessary tests. All work on the exoskeleton to bring it to full readiness, according to scientists, will be completed within a year. The researchers are confident that their creation will give a start to the creation of a new class of devices that will be used not only for entertainment, but also used in law enforcement and rescue operations. The Topic of Article: Scientists have created an exoskeleton that can speed up running. |
