NASA and IHMC Develop Robotic Exoskeleton for Space and Possible Use on Earth

Oct. 11, 2012

David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz@nasa.gov

Brandi Dean
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-244-1403
brandi.k.dean@nasa.gov


RELEASE: 12-239

NASA AND IHMC DEVELOP ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON FOR SPACE AND POSSIBLE USE ON EARTH

WASHINGTON -- A new robotic space technology spinoff derived from
NASA's Robonaut 2 project someday may help astronauts stay healthier
in space and aid paraplegics in walking here on Earth. Robonaut 2,
the first humanoid robot in space, currently is working with
astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

NASA and The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC)
of Pensacola, Fla., have jointly developed a robotic exoskeleton
called X1. The 57-pound device is a robot that a human could wear
over his or her body either to assist or inhibit movement in leg
joints.

In the inhibit mode, the robotic device would be used as an in-space
exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement. The same
technology could be used in reverse on the ground, potentially
helping some individuals walk for the first time.

"Robotics is playing a key role aboard the International Space Station
and will be critical in our future human exploration of deep space,"
said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology
Program."What's extraordinary about space technology and our work
with projects like Robonaut are the unexpected possibilities space
tech spinoffs may have right here on Earth. It's exciting to see a
NASA-developed technology might one day help people with serious
ambulatory needs to begin to walk again, or even walk for the first
time. That's the sort of return on investment NASA is proud to give
back to America and the world."

Worn over the legs with a harness that reaches up the back and around
the shoulders, X1 has 10 degrees of freedom, or joints -- four
motorized joints at the hips and the knees, and six passive joints
that allow for sidestepping, turning and pointing, and flexing a
foot. There also are multiple adjustment points, allowing the X1 to
be used in many different ways.

X1 currently is in a research and development phase, where the primary
focus is development, evaluation and improvement of the technology.
NASA is examining the potential for the X1 as an exercise device to
improve crew health both aboard the space station and during future
long-duration missions to an asteroid or Mars. Without taking up
valuable space or weight during missions, X1 could replicate common
crew exercises, which are vital to keeping astronauts healthy in
microgravity. In addition, the device has the ability to measure,
record and stream back in real-time data to flight controllers on
Earth, giving doctors better insight into the crew's exercise.

X1 also could provide a robotic power boost to astronauts as they work
on the surface of distant planetary bodies. Coupled with a spacesuit,
X1 could provide additional force when needed during surface
exploration, providing even more bang for its small bulk.

Here on Earth, IHMC is interested in developing and using X1 as an
assistive walking device. Using NASA technology and walking
algorithms developed at IHMC, X1 has the potential to produce high
torques to allow for assisted walking over varied terrain, as well as
stair climbing. Preliminary studies using X1 for this purpose have
already started at IHMC.

"We greatly value our collaboration with NASA," said Ken Ford, IHMC's
director and CEO. "The X1's high-performance capabilities will enable
IHMC to continue performing cutting-edge research in mobility
assistance and expand into rehabilitation."

The potential of X1 extends to other applications, including
rehabilitation, gait modification and offloading large amounts of
weight from the wearer. Preliminary studies by IHMC have shown X1 to
be more comfortable, easier to adjust, and easier to put on than
older exoskeleton devices. Researchers plan on improving on the X1
design, adding more active joints to areas such as the ankle and hip,
increasing the potential uses for the device.

Designed in an extremely short timeframe, X1 came from technology
developed for Robonaut 2 and IHMC's Mina exoskeleton.
NASA's work in robotic exoskeleton systems complements work done by
other government agencies, such as the Defense Advanced Research
Project Agency's Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation
Program.

NASA's Game Changing Development Program, part of NASA's Space
Technology Program, funds the X1 work. NASA's Space Technology
Program focuses on maturing advanced space technologies that may lead
to entirely new approaches for space missions and solutions to
significant national needs.

For additional information about IHMC and the X1, visit:


http://www.ihmc.us

For information about Robonaut, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/robonaut


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