We provide balance to human exoskeletons

It is expected that by 2024 the exoskeleton market will exceed 3,400 million dollars; therefore, the technology that is developed in this field can greatly improve human capabilities. One of the handicaps that currently existed in this sector was the exoskeleton user's balance control. 

At TECNALIA we have led the research and subsequent development of a Robotic suit that is able to anticipate, thanks to a mathematical model, the user's movements to maintain balance and prevent falls, as well as providing it with more sideways movement, so as to facilitate more complex leg movements.

However, the key to this development is the human brain. As through the information obtained thanks to a sensor suit that captures the body movements of the body through the brain, a mathematical model has been created capable of predicting where the user should put their feet and how fast they should do so to avoid falling when losing its balance. The suit collects sensor data from the brain and sends the risk order to the robot in order to avoid falls by responding with the appropriate speed and movements.

The usability barrier of these robotic suits has been overcome through the FP7 European initiative BALANCE (Balance Augmentation in Locomotion, through Anticipative, Natural and Cooperative control of Exoskeletons), led by TECNALIA and formed by a consortium of 8 European organisations. In addition, as a result of this project, a European network comprising all researchers working in robotic suits in Europe (also led by TECNALIA) has emerged for further progress in its development and implementation.