The Spanish National Research Council, known as the CISC, has introduced the world's first exoskeleton specifically targeting children's spinal muscular atrophy.
The device, made out of aluminum and titanium, weighs 26 pounds. It will allow children to walk with greater ease— and in some cases for the first time. The exoskeleton will also be used for training purposes and to ward off muscular atrophy from lack of use.
"The main difficulty in developing this type of pediatric exoskeletons is that the symptoms of neuromuscular diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, vary over time as both joints throughout the body," says CSIC researcher Elena Garcia. "So an exoskeleton able to adapt to these changes autonomously is necessary. Our model includes intelligent joints that modify the stiffness automatically and adapt to the symptoms of each child at all times."
The exoskeleton has a robotic frame that attaches to the child's legs and torso and can target a variety of symptoms. It consists of five motors in each leg. The users have direct control over all five, which can detect the slightest intent of muscle movement and responds accordingly. The exoskeleton is flexible and can adjust to rapidly growing bodies, and is aimed at the ages of three through fourteen. The CISC's research arm has already patented the technology.