About
Students have created an exoskeleton app for a patient with muscular dystrophy. This is big news especially since my family carries the gene for muscular dystrophy and have been affected by it. The students have designed this exoskeleton for Zach Smith, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His lack of muscle control and being in a wheelchair made him a prime candidate for a computer controlled exoskeleton arm.
Talem Technologies previously gave him an X-Ar exoskeleton that allows him to do several daily tasks (i.e drink a glass of water or turn the lights on), but keeping everything level proved to be a challenge. So, a team of Michigan State University students stepped in to help.
"Working with the Talem Technologies and Urban Science, a Detroit-based consulting firm, a College of Engineering team of computer science students developed an app that allows Smith, who lives in Orlando, Florida, to maximize the use of his bionic-looking arms."
These students; Mustafa Jebara, Dane Rosseter, Samantha Oldenburg, Alex Wuillame and Shun Yan created Mobile Maestro, available for iPhones and Android devices, that conveniently puts the exoskeleton's controls on the user's phone.
How it works
Mobile Maestro is operated via a simple light touch or voice commands. Using the phone's gyroscope technology, the app also can be set to auto level. Another option allows the user to lock the exoskeleton to let the user and their wheelchair squeeze through tight spaces, such as doorways.
The app is also described as simple and easy to use, and it is convenient for users because being on their phones, it is always within reach if they need to readjust their exoskeleton.
The app is also assisting mobility, by collecting data on how the app is being used. The Mobile Maestro team can then analyze where tweaks can be made to improve functionality.
Comments
Post a Comment