Exoskeletal Devices And The Body

"This book enquires from a sociological perspective into contemporary corporeal transformations brought about by exoskeletal devices. Challenging material boundaries of human bodies, their capacities, in/abilities and skills, exoskeletal devices question social norms of corporeal 'deviance' and 'extension'. Through multi-sited ethnography, interviews, and analysis of contemporary STS, sociological literature, and current approaches from the phenomenology of the body, this book shows how exoskeletons contribute to forging three contemporary 'corporeal worlds': impairment, ability and above-average ability. The text questions deeply held ideas about enhancement and augmentation, corporeal deviance and "normality", in the three studied fields of rehabilitation, industry and the armed forces. It will appeal to scholars and advanced students across the social sciences and humanities, including from sociology, philosophy, body studies, and science and technology studies"--

This book enquires from a sociological perspective into contemporary corporeal transformations brought about by exoskeletal devices. Challenging material boundaries of human bodies, their capacities, (in)abilities and skills, exoskeletal devices question social norms of corporeal “deviance” and “extension.” Through multi-sited ethnography, interviews and analyses of contemporary science and technology studies (STS), sociological literature and current approaches from the phenomenology of the body, this book shows how exoskeletons contribute to forging three contemporary “corporeal worlds”: impairment, ability and above-average ability. The text questions deeply held ideas about enhancement and augmentation, corporeal deviance and “normality,” in the three studied fields of rehabilitation, industry and the armed forces. It will appeal to scholars and advanced students across the social sciences and humanities, including from sociology, philosophy, body studies, and science and technology studies.

Wearable exoskeletons are electro-mechanical systems designed to assist, augment, or enhance motion and mobility in a variety of human motion applications and scenarios. The applications, ranging from providing power supplementation to assist the wearers to situations where human motion is resisted for exercising applications, cover a wide range of domains such as medical devices for patient rehabilitation training recovering from trauma, movement aids for disabled persons, personal care robots for providing daily living assistance, and reduction of physical burden in industrial and military applications. The development of effective and affordable wearable exoskeletons poses several design, control and modelling challenges to researchers and manufacturers. Novel technologies are therefore being developed in adaptive motion controllers, human-robot interaction control, biological sensors and actuators, materials and structures, etc. In this book, the editors and authors report recent advances and technology breakthroughs in exoskeleton developments. It will be of interest to engineers and researchers in academia and industry as well as manufacturing companies interested in developing new markets in wearable exoskeleton robotics.

This Handbook, with contributions from leading experts in the field, provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art account of virtual environments (VE). It serves as an invaluable source of reference for practitioners, researchers, and students in this rapidly evolving discipline. It also provides practitioners with a reference source to guide

In recent years, our world has experienced a profound shift and progression in available computing and knowledge sharing innovations. These emerging advancements have developed at a rapid pace, disseminating into and affecting numerous aspects of contemporary society. This has created a pivotal need for an innovative compendium encompassing the latest trends, concepts, and issues surrounding this relevant discipline area. During the past 15 years, the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology has become recognized as one of the landmark sources of the latest knowledge and discoveries in this discipline. The Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition is a 10-volume set which includes 705 original and previously unpublished research articles covering a full range of perspectives, applications, and techniques contributed by thousands of experts and researchers from around the globe. This authoritative encyclopedia is an all-encompassing, well-established reference source that is ideally designed to disseminate the most forward-thinking and diverse research findings. With critical perspectives on the impact of information science management and new technologies in modern settings, including but not limited to computer science, education, healthcare, government, engineering, business, and natural and physical sciences, it is a pivotal and relevant source of knowledge that will benefit every professional within the field of information science and technology and is an invaluable addition to every academic and corporate library.

Designing Exoskeletons focuses on developing exoskeletons, following the lifecycle of an exoskeleton from design to manufacture. It demonstrates how modern technologies can be used at every stage of the process, such as design methodologies, CAD/CAE/CAM software, rapid prototyping, test benches, materials, heat and surface treatments, and manufacturing processes. Several case studies are presented to provide detailed considerations on developing specific topics. Exoskeletons are designed to provide work-power, rehabilitation, and assistive training to sports and military applications. Beginning with a review of the history of exoskeletons from ancient to modern times, the book builds on this by mapping out recent innovations and state-of-the-art technologies that utilize advanced exoskeleton design. Presenting a comprehensive guide to computer design tools used by bioengineers, the book demonstrates the capabilities of modern software at all stages of the process, looking at computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering. It also details the materials used to create exoskeletons, notably steels, engineering polymers, composites, and emerging materials. Manufacturing processes, both conventional and unconventional are discussed—for example, casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and heat and surface treatments. This book is essential reading for those in the field of exoskeletons, such as designers, workers in research and development, engineering and design students, and those interested in robotics applied to medical devices.

In the realm of technological innovation, few advancements hold as much promise for transforming lives as exoskeleton technology. With its ability to augment human strength, enhance mobility, and revolutionize rehabilitation, exoskeletons are poised to redefine the boundaries of what is possible for individuals with mobility impairments and physical limitations. From enabling paralyzed individuals to walk again to empowering workers to lift heavy loads with ease, exoskeletons represent a remarkable fusion of engineering ingenuity and human potential. Imagine a world where mobility is no longer restricted by physical limitations-a world where individuals with paralysis can stand tall and take steps, where workers can perform tasks effortlessly without fear of injury, and where rehabilitation becomes a journey of empowerment rather than limitation. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to the rapid advancements in exoskeleton technology. At its core, an exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that surrounds and supports the user's body, providing assistance and augmenting their physical capabilities. By integrating advanced sensors, actuators, and control systems, exoskeletons mimic the movements of the human body while amplifying strength, stability, and endurance. The applications of exoskeleton technology are as diverse as they are transformative. In the realm of healthcare, exoskeletons are revolutionizing rehabilitation by providing targeted support and assistance to individuals recovering from neurological injuries or musculoskeletal conditions. These devices enable patients to engage in mobility exercises, relearn motor skills, and regain independence in their daily lives. Furthermore, exoskeletons are reshaping the landscape of workplace safety and productivity. In industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics, where manual labor often entails physical strain and injury risk, exoskeletons offer ergonomic support and assistance. By reducing the burden on workers' muscles and joints, these devices mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and improve overall productivity. Moreover, exoskeletons are breaking down barriers to mobility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Whether it's providing paralyzed individuals with the ability to stand and walk or empowering wheelchair users to navigate challenging terrain, exoskeletons offer newfound freedom and independence. However, the impact of exoskeleton technology extends beyond individual empowerment-it has the potential to reshape societal attitudes towards disability and accessibility. By promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, exoskeletons pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. In this exploration of exoskeleton technology, we will delve into its diverse applications, examine its transformative potential, and envision the future possibilities it holds. From the laboratories of research institutions to the corridors of hospitals and workplaces, exoskeletons are unlocking new opportunities and empowering individuals to reach new heights of achievement. Join us on this journey as we witness the dawn of a new era in mobility and human potential.

This volume presents the proceedings of the International Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering held from 16 to 18 March 2017 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Focusing on the theme of ‘Pursuing innovation. Shaping the future’, it highlights the latest advancements in Biomedical Engineering and also presents the latest findings, innovative solutions and emerging challenges in this field. Topics include: - Biomedical Signal Processing - Biomedical Imaging and Image Processing - Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation - Bio-Micro/Nano Technologies - Biomaterials - Biomechanics, Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery - Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Endocrine Systems Engineering - Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering - Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Engineering - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology - Clinical Engineering and Health Technology Assessment - Health Informatics, E-Health and Telemedicine - Biomedical Engineering Education - Pharmaceutical Engineering