Design concepts and functional particularities of wearable walking assist devices and power-assist suits - a review

In all likelihood, robotics will lead to a revolution in our lifestyle similar to internet or mobile phone. In this context, the assistive robotics is currently one of the most invested fields which leads to the design of new products with large diversity. Among of these products may be well distinguished the walking assist robotic systems which improve daily life. Therefore, it is not accidental that during the last few years a tendency to develop the robotic systems for different applications of walking and handling assistance emerged. This paper provides a design overview of wearable assist devices. We attempt to cover all of the major developments in these areas, focusing particularly on the development of the different concepts and their functional characteristics.