Mechatronic exoskeleton systems for supporting the biomechanics of shoulder-elbow-wrist: An innovative review

Jose Cornejo, Deyby Huamanchahua, Sofia Huaman-Vizconde, Dana Terrazas-Rodas, Jorge Sierra-Huertas, Alexander Janampa-Espinoza, Jorge Gonzales, Manuel Cardona

Research output: Chapter in Book/ReportConference contributionpeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Disability is defined as a condition of the human body that limits the execution of a task or activity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of the world's population suffers from it, recent studies indicate that the growing prevalence are a significant problem and that, consequently, the demand for rehabilitation services is rising considerably. For this reason, different authors propose the use of exoskeletons in rehabilitation therapies as an alternative solution. Thanks to the progress of this kind of technology, it is possible to create robotic systems that help people with disabilities to recover, totally or partially, the original movement of their affected limbs. This Innovative Review Article presents an exhaustive review of the main features of upper-limb exoskeletons such as Degrees of Freedom (DoF), mechanism type, rehabilitation mode, movements allowed, applications and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Firstly, the study provides a brief description of the biomechanics of the upper limbs of the human body. Next, the material, the rehabilitation modes and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of each of these devices are analyzed. As a result, it was observed that aluminum and PLA are the most used materials for exoskeletons' manufacturing. In addition, it was noticed that most of these exoskeletons perform passive rehabilitation. Besides, it was identified that the most common applications are the assistance and rehabilitation in the affected limb of patients who have suffered a stroke. Finally, using TLR scale, it was determined that these mechatronic systems are between TRL5 and TRL8.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publication2021 IEEE International IOT, Electronics and Mechatronics Conference, IEMTRONICS 2021 - Proceedings
EditorsSatyajit Chakrabarti, Rajashree Paul, Bob Gill, Malay Gangopadhyay, Sanghamitra Poddar
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665440677
DOIs
StateIndexed - 21 Apr 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event2021 IEEE International IOT, Electronics and Mechatronics Conference, IEMTRONICS 2021 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: 21 Apr 202124 Apr 2021

Publication series

Name2021 IEEE International IOT, Electronics and Mechatronics Conference, IEMTRONICS 2021 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2021 IEEE International IOT, Electronics and Mechatronics Conference, IEMTRONICS 2021
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period21/04/2124/04/21

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 IEEE.

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Biomechatronic
  • Elbow
  • Exoskeletons
  • Rehabilitation
  • Shoulder
  • Upper-limbs
  • Wrist

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