‘exoskeleton’
Braun receives NSF Early CAREER Award to create next-gen robots to assist humans
Apr. 13, 2022—David Braun, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award for foundational research in mechanically adaptive robotics. His CAREER project, “Mechanically Adaptive, Energetically Passive Robotics,” will enable the creation of new-generation industrial robots, transportation systems, and devices that can assist and augment humans. The five-year, $600,000 grant will support work on robot...
New study reveals breakthrough tool to show how much exoskeletons reduce back injury risk
Nov. 30, 2021—A study led by researchers from Vanderbilt University’s Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology reveals a breakthrough tool to assess the effect of exoskeletons on injury risk. The tool, called Exo-LiFFT, is an interactive calculator that will help companies looking for ways to overcome workforces struggling with musculoskeletal injuries, missed work, and accelerated retirement...
Faculty Innovator: Michael Goldfarb shows that taking the first step is possible
Sep. 24, 2021—Goldfarb (Vanderbilt) Using robotics to help individuals walk seemed like something out of a science fiction film until Michael Goldfarb and members of his lab made it a reality. Goldfarb, co-director of the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology and H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, knew from a young age that he...
Michael Goldfarb elected Fellow of National Academy of Inventors
Dec. 8, 2020—Michael Goldfarb, H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee chose Goldfarb, also, a professor of electrical engineering and physical and medical rehabilitation, for demonstrating “a highly prolific spirit of...
Vanderbilt-developed exosuit spotlighted at annual D.C. showcase
Dec. 6, 2020—A back-assist exoskeleton developed at Vanderbilt University that blends comfort, ease of use and accessibility for all and is built for maximum range of motion is being recognized by the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities for their annual innovation showcase. The maker of the exosuit, HeroWear, is one of...
Humans could run 50% faster with bicycle-inspired exoskeleton
Apr. 8, 2020—Runners could soon keep up with cyclists, thanks to a new invention from a team of mechanical engineers at Vanderbilt. The invention, an exoskeleton worn on the legs, would bring cycling mechanics to the human body and enable people to run nearly 1.5 times as fast — approaching top cycling speeds. The study with the...
National Biomechanics Day draws 370+ visitors to assistive tech labs
Apr. 15, 2019—The Vanderbilt group organizing National Biomechanics Day event this year added video scripting and production to its skillset. The group of graduate students and undergraduates spent three months planning demonstrations, contacting schools and creating their two-minute promotional video, which won the award from the International Society for Biomechanics for the most retweeted video. The video, “Biomechanics...
New low-profile ankle exoskeleton fits under clothes for potential broad adoption
Mar. 21, 2019—A new lightweight, low-profile and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton could be widely used among elderly people, those with impaired lower-leg muscle strength and workers whose jobs require substantial walking or running. Developed by Vanderbilt mechanical engineers, the device is believed to be the first ankle exoskeleton that could be worn under clothes without restricting motion. It...