Motion Control content from Machine Design: Engineers relied heavily on motion-control technology to develop the first wearable exoskeleton at Cornell University, the Hardiman-1, in 1965. The arms, legs, and feet used electrohydraulic servos, while a hydromechanical servo controlled the hands. The hydraulics operated off of a 3,000-psi pump, letting the person in the suit lift up to 1,500 lb and walk at 1.7 mph. The suit itself, however, weighed almost 1500 pounds, making it too heavy and complex to warrant further funding.
2 comments:
This is so cool! The development of materials and applications over the years is so amazing. I can’t believe the first exoskeleton ever made was 1500 pounds. And based from the capabilities it had, “letting the person in the suit lift up to 1,500 lb and walk at 1.7 mph” does not seem worth the building or the cumbersome weight, which is probably why it lost funding. I really like seeing the real world applications in which these exoskeletons are being used for, like paramedic and lifting assistance to physical therapy. Also, with the ever-improving digital frontier and everything getting smaller and more efficient and powerful, the exoskeleton development must be benefitting greatly in the size and efficiency categories. Albeit, I do not particularly understand most of the specific technology information, but from the charts and tone of the article, it seems that improvement is on the rise. Overall, a very cool invention and process.
This is amazing! It is incredible to see how the advances in separate branches of technology, be it materials or computer science, can come together to improve so greatly on a project that could be very beneficial. Especially looking at the first exoskeleton made, it is amazing to see how far our technology has come in so little time. I do wish the article had expanded more on the exoskeleton’s usage of energy, as that is an important aspect of determining how convenient and reliable it is. Overall, however, it is a very cool project and seems to be moving quickly towards something affordable for hospitals and laborers alike. On a different note, the article described at length the developments in systems for monitoring and deciphering muscular pulses, which leads me to wonder how much these technological developments are also being reflected in the development of prosthetic limbs, and how they might aid movement and control. I look forward to seeing where this technology leads us, and what other elements they will include next.
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