FURI | Spring 2021

Development of a Wearable Hybrid-PassiveAnkle-Foot Orthosis for Rehabilitative and Assistive Applications

During normal walking, there is significant power required in the ankle to propel the body forward near toe-off. In the case of the elderly or those with neuromuscular disorders, this may be unachievable. This research tracks the development of a wearable hybrid-passive ankle-foot orthosis mechanism in order to assist the human ankle during normal walking. The mechanism uses a small motor to change the mechanical stiffness of the mechanism and is the means of control for assistance. The device will be tested and will later be used in human studies of the ankle to demonstrate improved energy cost.