Tuesday, October 7, 2014


Exoskeleton


1. In detail describe what this article is about.

2.Give the pros and cons of this device. 

3. What do you think about the exoskeleton personally?

15 comments:

  1. 1.) This article explains how four people at the university of Pennsylvania tried to build an exoskeleton that's much less expensive than the ones available today and lightweight, and of course more efficient than the other choices. When they finally finished their "Titan Arm", it cost then roughly two thousand dollars to construct, much cheaper than competitors. Pros: Lightweight so elder people can use then easier and it may be two thousand dollars, but that's much cheaper than the rest. It is said to let you raise forty more pounds than you usually could raise. Cons: None are stated in this article but I would guess that it is very uncomfortable to wear. I personally think its nicer, but only to an extent. It will be a big deal for elderly, but for the rest of the community who has to wear one of these only gets the cheaper price perk.

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  2. 1) The Exoskeleton article talks about how four students in 2012 at the University of Pennsylvania created an affordable exoskeleton that is portable and easy to use. The exoskeleton is designed for people either coming out of surgery and needed help or people with low functioning muscles.

    2) The pros of this new invention is that it is much smaller than most exoskeletons and is much more affordable compared to others. Some exoskeletons in the past could cost up to the same amount as a new car! The only con I see is how long the exoskeleton will last. From the description of the battery (near the bottom of the article) it only provides one day of use. So it needs a long time to charge, or new batteries constantly, which may become expensive after some time.

    3) I think this is a new break-through in medical technology. It's a great way to help those needing recovery and to provide a new look at affordable technology that is extremely helpful.

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  3. 1. In detail describe what this article is about.
    This article is about an exoskeleton called the Titan Arm created at the University of Pennsylvania that uses a system of pulleys and steel cables to make a lightweight exoskeleton that enables the wearer to lift an extra 40 pounds. The article claims it is to help rehabilitate patients after injury or surgery.

    2.Give the pros and cons of this device.
    Pro:
    It seems to do what it is supposed to for a reasonable cost and inside of a practical form factor. It is lightweight enough for someone to actually use on a day to day basis

    Con:
    I think there is still progress that would need to be made to keep it from injuring you even more. For example it could be used to pick up an object that you and your Titan arm could handle, but not your legs. If you do not have a strong enough lower back and legs you could harm them by picking up something that they could not support. There is also the issue that it would impede on your flexibility. I think there is still much work to do done on this hardware.

    3. What do you think about the exoskeleton personally?
    I think it will be great for the select few that it will help, but there is still way more work that needs to be done on it before it can go to the average consumer market.

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  4. 1. This article is about an exoskeleton machine that is called the Titan arm that is supposed to help rehabilitate stroke victims or debilitating injury's. The arm allows the user to lift 40 more pounds.

    2. Pro: It seems a much more efficient way to rehabilitate those in need of physical therapy for a reasonable price.

    Con: A days worth of power does not seem enough for me. Would more usage of the arm mean more drain on the battery? If so what if it's a particularly active day and it dies halfway through?

    3. I think its a cool invention and is the first step in a new kind of technology where we can help everyone be active and not as reliant on other people.

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  5. 1. Basically some genius kids at the University of Pennsylvania created a robotic arm that can help people with rehab and or lifting heavy objects. As of right now it can lift an extra 40 lbs. the R&D to date is only $2,000

    2.Pro: Good battery life, Can lift an extra 40 lbs, helps in rehab, cost efficient.
    Cons: Only lifts 40 lbs, only an arm, not very customizable, what happens if it dies?

    3. I think it is a huge step forward and a super sweet invention, it shows that an exoskeleton is possible and also it doesn't cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, will be cool to see what else these students can come out with.

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  6. 1. Basically, this is about a robotic exoskeleton that can assist the wearer while performing daily activities or even sports. This could be used as a backup to physical therapy. It works with a battery that you wear like a backpack and a controller that you or someone else can use to control the exoskeleton. This is the Titan Arm. It allows a person to carry up to 40 pounds extra without any effort at all.
    2. Pros:
    -Backup in case PT doesn't work
    -Efficient, lightweight, and powerful
    -Allows its wearer to lift an additional 40 pounds with little effort
    -Lightweight
    -Doesn't require a lot of power
    -Has a software-and-sensor package to track arm movements and wirelessly relay the data to a physical therapist

    Cons:
    -Not a ton of battery life (1 day)
    -Prototype was $2,000 (hopefully they will be able to 3D Print for much cheaper
    -40 pounds might not be enough
    -Still can't do 2 handed tasks because one of your hands needs to be controlling the Titan Arm

    3. I think it is a very interesting invention. I believe it should be able to be used by the public. However, I would say that it should be like a last resort (backup) type device. I would recommend physical therapy/surgery before buying and using a robotic arm for the rest of your life.

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  7. 1. This article is about students in the University of Pennsylvania who had a dream. They dreamed about creating a light weight and powerful exoskeleton. They wanted to make this for people who have had a stroke etc and need to go to physical therapy. This device gives less strain on the users muscles allowing for the healing process. The exoskeleton is able to lift 40 pounds and the development cost is 2,000 dollars.

    2. A Pro would be that it eliminates the need for physical therapy and is only 2,000 dollar. A Con would be that it only lifts 40 pounds and I think after a while you would need to change the battery due to use.

    3. I think it needs more improvement but I believe they can perfect it in the future. I think its way too much money I rather just go to physical therapy until its healed.

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  8. 1.this article talks about how a team of mechanical engineering students at the university of Pennsylvania students.this limb is able to help users lift an additional forty pounds. the students also designed it with aluminium and a backpack actuator to help limit the size of the design.

    2.well the battery only lasts one day. it also is still very big and cumbersome to use. it is however very cheap coming in at only 20000 dollars. as well as being very lightweight due to the use of aluminum in its design

    3. honestly I think that this is very cool these kids made a very efficient and usual project in college. also its go ta lot of practical implantation for medical practices. consider some one with nerve damage in there earns this can help them compensate for this.

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  9. 1. A group of Engineering students with large aspirations and small wallets worked rigorously to create the perfect exoskeleton arm for those with the need for arm support and equally small wallets. They attacked the project with the goal of making it portable, lightweight, and cost effective. With these goals in mind they created a prototype costing 2000$ with a light backpack and the ability to assist with an extra forty dollars.

    2. The "pros" of this project are relatively simple, they are the pros that one would come across with any exoskeleton type system. It can increase the carrying capacity in one arm for those that require it (eg. stroke victims, injured athletes etc.). And pros specifically for this brand would be that it has a battery that lasts all day, it is "lightweight" (though they do not seem to disclose said weight), and it "only" costs two thousand dollars. However the "cons" are a more complicated task to undertake. The reason for this is that there is not a very large market of exoskeleton arms available and therefore not much competition to compare it to. However, on early examination a problem that I noticed is the required control of the other hand in order to operate the arm. It seems like there should be a way to operate the arm with the hand it's attached to, or else it makes lifting things with both arms relatively inconvenient. And the one day battery life could be considered short, if we, the consumer, had any indication as to the time it takes to charge said battery. But besides these considerations the amount of cons is lacking until we see more of these type of products.

    3. My personal opinion can be broken down simpler into two categories the arm itself and the concept of the arm.

    First of I'd say that I'm not significantly a fan of the cumbersomeness of the backpack. I understand that this may just be a limitation due to lack of other options or due to the price range but it's rather ugly in design. The arm itself though has a sleekness that I think looks rather nice. Once again I have to direct my rant towards the controller as I think it completely changes the flexibility of this device. With the controller in a more convenient position this device could be used well in day to day life, but without this device only becomes useful for the sake of physical therapy. But all in all it's a great design, especially for a prototype, and even more so for a group of college kids with little budget.

    This leads me to my opinion on the devices creation and the trend that's being set by groups like this. These small groups of engineers are doing something that a lot of larger companies seem to be unable to, taking risks. They are creating things that are difficult to design and could turn out flops, but because of this they create new types of innovation that are hugely speeding up our technological progress. Groups like these and Elon Musk are taking us into the future.

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  10. 1. This article talks about a medical exoskeleton. It is a device of which has been recreated by college students to be portable while costing much less than its predecessor. The device is mainly used for people with medical conditions, either to help them get back to their normal-ish lives while they recover, or in cases where recovery isn't an option, give them the strength and assistance to perform everyday tasks.

    2. The article mostly lists the pros, being it's extreme affordability as well as its thin and light design in comparison to the older version. It is now a viable option for all those who were injured in some way and could use some robotic assistance. The cons would probably be it still needs to be charged, requires the user to carry a large and heavy backpack, and it is still nowhere as good as being able to use the limbs given by nature.

    3. I think the exoskeleton is a great concept, and it sounded like one that was extremely out of date. It is amazing that these people who may have been close to losing hope so many times may be able to get back to a few of their normal activities.

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  11. The article talks about the robo skeleton, it talks about the potential benefits and past projects and all. Mostly about the advancements it can have in medicine, which I don't even know why, it's not like prosthetics ever helped anyone.

    Pros- it could help people, cons it could take over it's host bodies and destroy the world.

    I think it's neat, and I would like one, I don't really know what there is to object about it, but I would like to hear that argument. I do think it is a field which is worth looking into.

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  12. 1. This an article about a robotic exoskeleton that can assist the someone who has issue controlling their body. The benefits of this can allow the user to recover from a serious issue that may have occurred or give a sense of the issue being solved. The way it works is with a battery the user wears, and with this battery, the user is able to life up 40 extra pounds.
    2. Pros:
    Its an efficient, lightweight, powerful device that allows the disabled to move again. It has backup power and lots of safety features.

    Cons:
    The battery does not last super long. As well as this, you only have one hand to use because the other is controlling the hand. Its also over 2000 dollars, which is out of a lot of peoples price range.

    3. This definitely a step in the right direction as far as robotics goes. It reminds me a lot of day after tomorrow and dues ex. Although the idea of easy strength can be concerning, it is a step to the future. Its a field that recently has gotten a bit of attention

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  13. 1. This article is about an exoskeleton that can be used to help the disabled move again.

    Pros: It's lightweight, it's safe, and it gives the disabled the miracle of movement that would otherwise be impossible.

    Cons: It's got an awful battery life, it's not quite as strong as it needs to be, and it's very pricey.

    4. I'm probably going to need one of these later in my life, so it's nice to know the technology is ready.

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  14. This article explains the uses for mechanical and technologically advanced artificial human exoskeletons. People who are injured can sometimes lose the ability preform basic muscle functions. The exoskeleton provides support to those who cannot operate their body to the fullest extent. Also, this article explains the positive uses for this innovation in the medical field, and possible growth of this project.

    This device, can assist the physically handicapped by providing mechanical power through motors and pulleys. This helps them be able to left objects that their body would not be able to naked.

    There has been several innovations related to this project throughout the medical field in the past few years. Devices that are fully developed have been released to the public for use. Japan can replace every part of the human body, except the brain.

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  15. 1. The article is about a mechanical exoskeleton that helps the people who are psychically disabled. It helps by giving base function back to the wearer and allows them to have a close to normal life. The article explains how people at the University of Pennsylvania wanted to make an exoskeleton that was both lighter weight and cheaper than any available.

    2. Pro- The skeleton is lighter weight than others of its kind. Con- The battery life needs improvements.

    3. I think this is a great advancement and will improve many lives. I think it's amazing that people in college made this, and not privet researchers.

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