Wearable Robotic Technologies

Prerequisites

Attendance at the lecture “Mechano-Informatics in Robotics” is required.

References

Lecture slides and selected current references will be announced during the lecture and made available as PDFs at http://www.humanoids.kit.edu/.

Course Content

This lecture begins with an overview of the field of wearable robotics (exoskeletons, prostheses, and orthoses) and their potential, followed by an introduction to the fundamentals of wearable robotics. In addition to various approaches to the construction and design of wearable robots with the associated actuator and sensor technologies, the course focuses on modeling the neuromusculoskeletal system of the human body, as well as on the physical and cognitive aspects of human-robot interaction in close-fitting, tightly coupled hybrid human-robot systems. Current examples from research and various applications of arm, leg, and full-body exoskeletons, as well as prostheses, will be presented.

Note

Module for the Master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Information Technology, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and Sports Science.

Workload

120 hours

Target

The student will acquire fundamental knowledge of wearable robot technologies and understand the requirements for the design, human-robot interface, and control of wearable robots. They can describe methods for modeling the neuromusculoskeletal system of the human body, mechatronic design, manufacturing, and the design of the interface between wearable robot technologies and the human body. The student understands symbiotic human-machine interaction as a core topic of anthropomatics and is familiar with cutting-edge examples of exoskeletons, orthoses, and prostheses.

Exam

Assessment takes the form of a written examination, typically lasting 60 minutes, in accordance with § 4 (2) No. 1 of the Study Regulations (SPO).