What it does
This is a lightweight indoor exoskeleton designed for users aged 65 and above. It reduces physical strain in daily life by providing lumbar support and lower-limb assistance, helping prevent falls and supporting independent living at home.
Your inspiration
With aging, many elderly people suffer from lower back pain and leg fatigue. Over half of home falls occur in kitchens and bedrooms. Inspired by this, we wanted to create a solution that empowers older adults to move safely and independently in familiar environments. Our idea was shaped by observing daily difficulties of seniors and reviewing reports on fall-related injuries. We sought to provide strength support without the complexity and weight of industrial exoskeletons.
How it works
The exoskeleton wraps around the user’s waist and legs with adjustable straps and soft padding for comfort. It features a lumbar support panel that limits over-flexion of the back to reduce strain during standing, bending, or walking. Lightweight actuators assist lower-limb movements like standing up or climbing steps, reducing leg fatigue. An embedded smart system monitors basic body movement and can adjust support levels automatically. For ease of use, the device features one-touch controls with large, intuitive buttons designed for aging hands. It charges like a phone and is safe to wear for extended periods indoors. No special training is required.
Design process
We started with research into common causes of elderly falls, particularly in kitchens and bedrooms. Interviews with older adults revealed pain points in daily activities like bending, standing up, and moving after long periods of sitting. Initial sketches focused on minimal structure and ease of wear. We developed cardboard and foam prototypes to test flexibility and adjustability, followed by a 3D-printed mock-up to study ergonomics. Our first functional prototype used lightweight motors to test assisted movement in the knees. We then added lumbar support with a flexion-limiting panel. User feedback from seniors helped us simplify the control system, leading to the inclusion of a one-touch activation button. The final design focuses on intuitive use, comfort, and movement assistance in indoor settings. Materials were selected for breathability and weight reduction.
How it is different
Unlike many bulky exoskeletons used in rehabilitation or industry, this design is lightweight and tailored for indoor home use. It targets everyday actions like standing, walking, or bending—critical for older adults living independently. The design is fully self-wearable, requiring no caregiver assistance. Its soft-structure frame, combined with flexible support systems, blends comfort with stability. The smart sensing system adapts in real-time without the need for app pairing or external monitoring devices. Its appearance is also discreet and friendly, avoiding a medical or mechanical look. These features make it not just a device for support, but a tool for preserving autonomy and dignity.
Future plans
We plan to refine the smart sensing system with machine learning to better adapt to users' daily routines. A modular version is under consideration to adjust support levels based on different home activities. Future iterations will explore recyclable materials and increased customization. We also aim to collaborate with medical professionals to validate long-term health benefits and prepare the design for clinical and market trials.
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