Lightweight lower-limb exoskeleton with single linear actuator
This technology is a wearable lower-body exoskeleton that uses a single linear actuator — essentially a motorized rod that extends and contracts — running from a waist band down to a foot attachment. Unlike traditional exoskeletons that require separate motors at the hip and knee, this design uses one actuator along the side of the leg to assist movement. The foot attachment and waist assembly anchor the device to the user, allowing the actuator to assist with walking, standing, or rehabilitation. The simplified actuator arrangement is designed to reduce mechanical complexity compared to multi-joint robotic exoskeletons.
What you could build
A lightweight, lower-limb assistive exoskeleton for physical rehabilitation clinics or home-use mobility assistance, sold to rehabilitation hospitals, VA medical centers, or direct to consumers with mobility impairments.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's network of VA medical centers and military rehabilitation facilities (e.g., Walter Reed adjacent catchment area) and university medical systems are natural early adopters or clinical trial partners.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Alan Asbeck
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed May 20, 2024
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20240382367A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.