Safety Assessments for Wearable Robot Suits

A cyborg-type (or exoskeleton-type) robot suit is a wearable device that combines the human intelligence and the machine power so that it could enhance the intelligence of the machine and the power of the human operator. It could be worn over the arms and legs and assists body movement through electric motors attached to shoulders, elbows, knees, and the waist. It could be used in medical rehabilitation or to help people who suffered a stroke or spinal cord injury. It also could be used for people doing physically demanding work in factories or at disaster sites, even entertainment. This paper describes the basic technologies and concepts of wearable robot suits. It is followed by an overview of safety concerns and appropriate method to prevent the faults.