Review of Wearable Robotic Assistive Devices for Integration with Pressure Suit Arms

Ease of mobility and reduction of fatigue are ongoing challenges in pressure suit design. In order to accomplish these desired effects, a possible solution is to incorporate robotically augmented pressure suit elements. To build on existing technology, this paper explores areas of overlap between biomedical robot-aided rehabilitation devices and pressure suit design, with a focus on robotic augmentation for the upper extremities. The paper reviews design work at the University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory, then presents a summary of actuator technologies from available rehabilitation devices, along with an outline of design parameters for a spaceand human-rated exoskeleton arm. This review proposes that technology transition could enable near-term robotic pressure suit augmentation, derived from equipment that has already been developed and tested for safe human use.

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