UPenn’s TitanArm provides robotic exoskeleton lifting power for industrial and medical uses at an affordable price. (via UPENN)
Out of a total of four submissions to the Intel sponsored Cornell Cup competition, the University of Pennsylvania’s TitanArm garnered enough interest to snag the top prize at the event held at Walt Disney World May 3rd-4th.
The TitanArm was designed as a cheaper alternative to commercially available exoskeleton systems that can range upwards of $100,000 in retail value. These systems are targeted in assisting heavy lifting challenges for work industries as well providing assisted mobility for medical patients undergoing heavily monitored rehabilitation procedures.
To work naturally with the body’s natural architecture, the team implemented biomimetic design through integrated electronic and mechanical systems with the added capability of remote software monitoring. A BeagleBone provides high level controls, while an M2 handles low level processes. A Hall Effect sensor generates and is used to transmit joint angle data to the M2 which then communicates with the rest of the control loop over serial connection.
Powered by two 18.5V Lithium Polymer batteries, a Maxon brushed DC motor provides joint mobility through a steel wire rope cable system capable of withstanding up to 2,200 lbs of force. The frame that holds it all together was salvaged from scuba diving gear and is strapped on to the user via rugged military backpack grade straps. A mechanical braking system is used to allow TitanArm wearers to hold static loads by way of a 48 tooth ratchet with 18 total holding configurations that make up the exoskeleton arm’s range of motion. Finally, the single-arm exo is controlled using a joystick in the opposite hand - future design will implement wireless muscle movement sensors for control in addition to a second operation arm.
To add to the list of this project accomplishments, the entire TitanArm was manufactured in-house by the four-team group of engineers for a price just under $2000. The entire team will be returning to UPenn for graduate school with plans to continue their work on the TitanArm, so be sure to lookout for an affordable Iron Man-like suit from this group in the near future.
For more information on the TitanArm, head on over to the team’s blog which documents their entire design process before and after the 2013 Cornell Cup!
C
See more news at:
