Autonomyo enables people with neurological gait disorders to relearn how to walk and move freely
Everything you need to know about the features and benefits of the Autonomyo exoskeleton for rehab need to know.
Autonomyo is for the lower limbs enables people with neurological gait disorders to walk again. The solution offers the user unparalleled freedom of movement. The system detects current abilities and provides the user with the necessary level of support for optimized training. The autonomous digital platform enables remote therapy at home or anywhere. The exoskeleton has three actuated degrees of freedom per leg, corresponding to human hip adduction/abduction, hip flexion/extension and knee flexion/extension. All joints are driven by brushless motors. The actuators for flexion and extension are remote from the joints and are transmitted via wire rope gear in series with planetary gears. Abduction/adduction is transmitted via a 4-bar linkage and ball screw system. Around the ankle, the exoskeleton has a passive ball joint. The exoskeleton weighs approximately 25 kg and is attached to the user via orthopedic interfaces on the trunk, lower legs and feet. The "Autonomyo" developed by REHA Assist is significantly lighter at only 25 kilograms and works by incorporating the patient's weakened but still partially functioning musculoskeletal system.
The device is attached to the torso with a corset and to the user's legs with cuffs. On each side, three motors provide the power that the muscles lack for movement. One each is responsible for flexion and extension of the hip and knee, with another motor for the knee. The third motor supports abduction and adduction of the leg in the hip joint, i.e. the lateral movement of the leg away from the body's central axis. All in all, the motors help the patient both maintain balance and walk upright. In a recent clinical trial that included people with walking disabilities, Autonomyo worked as intended: The exoskeleton provided support while allowing freedom of movement according to the user's intentions. Joint range of motion and gait cadence were not negatively affected. The exoskeleton ensures vertical posture and supports lower extremity movement. The system increases the number of possible repetitions of therapeutic exercises. The exoskeleton measures gait parameters (symmetry, step length, weight shift) and transmits this information to the user.
The app allows the therapist or patient to make level-specific settings for each joint.
The app allows the therapist to set the training program individually for his patient so that he can train regardless of location.
The dashboard shows the user the completed workouts and the workout progress.
Originating from an EPFL project, autonomyo today offers a prototype for rehabilitation that improves training access, intensity and frequency and leads to an overall higher therapy success. The AUTONOMYO project was initiated by the Swiss Association against Neuromuscular Diseases ASRIMM. It is currently also supported by the Swiss Foundation for Research on Neuromuscular Diseases FSRMM and the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society. The REHAssist group is working with CHUV to evaluate the safety and utility of such devices for individuals with different types of diseases in the clinical setting. Finally, industrial partners such as Faulhaber GmbH are supporting the project to incorporate innovative drive technologies.
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2024
Autonomyo.