The context
The objective of this study is to assess the physiological and biomechanical impact of the Japet W exoskeleton on the whole body. This study takes place as part of a thesis in collaboration between theUTC and Japet Medical.
The approach
Each subject performs several tasks with and without the exoskeleton in order to be able to measure the impact of the exoskeleton on the human body. The tasks carried out are as follows:
- Carrying a load to pick up a box located on the ground and straighten up with it,
- Walking with a load and without a load
The hardware
The subject will be equipped with various sensors:
- Reflective markers, placed all over the body, which will make it possible to capture movements with infrared cameras and thus obtain the positions of the markers in space,
- Inertial units, placed on the trunk, which gives data on the acceleration and speed of rotation of the trunk,
- Electromyogram (EMG), making it possible to assess the muscular impact of the device on the lower back,
- Gas Exchange Analysis System, which will make it possible to know the consumption of oxygen during a task,
- Heart Rate Monitor, making it possible to assess the heart rate.
Expected results
From the data obtained, we can observe the influence of the exoskeleton on:
- The movement: the range of motion (with angles) and the speed of execution,
- The muscular activity of the muscles of the lower back: We're looking to see if the exoskeleton has an influence on it,
- The energy cost: variation in oxygen consumption and heart rate,
- The skeleton: straightening of the spine (lordosis).
Position of the reflective markers on the body
