How Do Exoskeletons Work? - Levitate
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How Do Exoskeletons Work?

How Do Exoskeletons Work?

Robotic exoskeletons, first seen in science-fiction movies, are now appearing in real life. This amazing wearable technology is already being used in industry and medicine, and it is being tested by the military. The technology is fascinating. Whenever people hear or read about exoskeletons, they become intrigued and curious, and they want to know more. A common question is “How do exoskeletons work?”

Machine, Meet Human

Exoskeletons are wearable machines that enhance the abilities of the people who use them. Just like in the movies, exoskeletons can make their users stronger. They can provide support and reduce fatigue. They even enable people in wheelchairs to stand up and walk again.

An exoskeleton and the person wearing it work together. It is truly a meeting of human and machine, with enormous benefits for the human.

Parts of an Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton contains a frame that goes around a user’s body or part of the user’s body. The frame is sometimes made out of a hard material, such as metal, and sometimes out of soft material, such as special kinds of fabric. Some exoskeletons contain sensors, which monitor and respond to users’ movements.

Just as there are different kinds of frames for exoskeletons, there are also different ways to power them. Exoskeletons can be motorized or mechanical. Some run on electricity, while others, which don’t need electrical power, offer more freedom to their users.

The Airframe exoskeleton from Levitate Technologies is powered mechanically and does not require electricity. Instead, it uses a patented system of pulleys to support its users’ upper bodies.

How Do Exoskeletons Work in Industry?

The Airframe exoskeleton prevents upper body fatigue. This makes it easier and safer for workers to use their arms to perform work, especially when they are working with their arms over their heads or are doing repetitive motions. The exoskeleton actually reduces the exertion workers need to use to do their jobs by as much as 80 percent.

How does it work? It takes the weight of users’ arms off their necks, backs, and shoulders and transfers it to their cores. The energy that workers expend becomes more evenly distributed, which reduces strain and stress on the muscles and joints.

The Airframe responds to the user’s arm motions to provide the right amount of support that is needed at every moment. The mechanical pulley system provides an increasing amount of support as the user raises his or her arm. When the arm is lowered, the exoskeleton gradually releases its support. With machine and human working together, a worker’s arm motions feel natural, but they are far less tiring.

Airframe exoskeletons are now being used by skilled manufacturing workers in both the automobile and the agricultural industries. Companies using Airframe include BMW, Toyota, and John Deere. Workers, managers, and executives all rave about the benefits they have gained from using the exoskeletons. To find out more about what Airframe can do to reduce costs, increase productivity, and prevent injury and disability in your company, contact Levitate Technologies today!