Kischa S. Reed
Florida A & M University
USA
Title: An Assessment of Bamboo as a Potential Low-Cost Material for Exoskeleton Design in Normal Walking
Biography
Biography: Kischa S. Reed
Abstract
In spite of the great progress made in the design and implementation of exoskeleton-type walking assistive devices, there is room for further improvement, especially if the cost of these exoskeletons is to be reduced. Some of the methods that can be explored include finding alternative materials and/or addressing the issue of design. Considering that bonesetters have utilized bamboos in developing world for splinting fractures as a means of immobilization. In this study, a detailed analysis of the properties of bamboo was carried out which revealed that the material is lightweight, has good flexibility and high strength. These are requisite properties for the structural components of the exoskeleton-type walking assistive devices. Property comparison with the currently known low-cost duralumin material used in exoskeleton revealed that bamboo compares favorably well. A correlation between kinematics and kinetics of human walking as well as bamboo property is presented. An evaluation of lower extremity loading and energy expenditure was analyzed to further investigate the relationship between exoskeleton design, lower-limb loading capacity and energy expenditure encountered during dynamic ambulation.