Exoskeleton-type Power Assist Suit for Lifting Assistance and Walking Support

In this paper, an exoskeleton-type power assist suit that can be used for both lifting assistance for caregivers and walking support for the elderly people was developed. By imposing two functions into one assist suit, it is expected that introductory cost becomes relatively inexpensive and the device becomes highly versatile. In order to verify an effectiveness of the developed assist suit for lifting assistance and walking support, experiments were carried out. Experimental result for lifting assistance showed that more than 10kg assist effect was obtained by wearing the assist suit. In addition, experimental result for walking support showed that the walk ability such as stride length, walking speed, and height of the tiptoe of elderly people would be improved by control of the assist suit.