Integrating Posture Control in Assistive Robotic Devices to Support Standing Balance

To date, exoskeletons typically only allow paraplegic users to stand or walk quadruped-like with crutches to maintain balance. The problem with today’s robotic assistive devices that are supporting or restituting stance and walking in paraplegic users is inadequate posture control, which endangers balance and increases the likelihood of a fall occurring. We address this issue in this Methods article by describing the posture-movement interrelations in humans, suggesting the inclusion of posture control in assistive robotic devices, and recommending their experimental testing prior to application for biped use.