Modular Agile eXoskeleton (MAX)

Jan. 11, 2017
Affordable, austere complement of three bionic pieces (legX, backX, and shoulderX) that individually reduce strain and tension at the knees, back and shoulders.

*2018 NED Innovation Award Winner


Modular Agile eXoskeleton (MAX), is an affordable, austere complement of three bionic pieces (legX, backX, and shoulderX) that individually reduce strain and tension at the knees, back, and shoulders, where 90% of workplace injuries occur. Requiring no batteries or hydraulics, the modular ergonomic wearable implements only six patented actuators, though capable of dropping stresses by about 50% for payloads of 30 or 40 lb. As the payloads go up to 100 lb., they reduce by about 40%. If you’re picking up 50 lb., it makes it feel like 20 to 25 lb.

A microprocessor controls the device in the left and right leg. It’s very cheap and very small. It has Bluetooth that can tell if I’m going upstairs, downstairs or squatting.

Modules can be ordered separately or together.

Features:

  • Capable of dropping stresses by about 50% for payloads of 30 or 40 lb.
  • As the payloads go up to 100 lb., they reduce by about 40%. If you’re picking up 50 lb, it makes it feel like 20 to 25 lb.
  • backX: industrial exoskeleton that substantially augments its wearer and reduces the forces and torques on a wearer’s lower back region (L5/S1 disc) by an average of 60% while s/he is stooping, lifting objects, bending or reaching
  • shoulderX: augments its wearer by reducing gravity-induced forces at the shoulder complex, enabling the wearer to perform chest-to-ceiling level tasks for longer durations and with less effort
  • LegX: revolutionary knee exoskeleton that allows the wearer to squat repeatedly or for prolonged periods of time by reducing the knee joint and quadricep muscle forces