Exoskeleton Robot and our control approach. (a) Developed carbon frame exoskeleton robot. (b) Proposed selective assist strategy. In our approach, assistive policy is selected among candidate daily motions by using an EMG-based movement classification method constructed in a positive-unlabeled (PU)-learning framework and assists user’s motion with a newly developed lightweight exoskeleton robot. Credit: IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (2022). DOI: 10.1109/LRA.2022.3148799
Researchers from the RIKEN Guardian Robot Project and collaborators have used a combination of lightweight material engineering and artificial intelligence to create an exoskeleton robot that could help people with mobility impairments. An important element of the new device is technology that allows the skeleton to effectively guess the intentions of the user.
Robotic exoskeletons promise to play an important role in supporting an aging population. Essentially, they are suits that people can wear, allowing them to exert strength when their old bodies are not capable of exerting strength themselves. However, developing exoskeletons has been hampered by the fact that they are generally heavy, and if not properly controlled can act as hindrances rather than assistance. Thus, it is important to develop exoskeletons that are both lightweight and can assist the efforts of the user without hindering their efforts.
The current research involved two main elements. First, the researchers developed a lightweight, carbon fiber-based exoskeleton for the lower body that was attached to the thighs and lower legs of users. The exoskeleton was built with highly backdrivable actuators, so that it did not impede the movements of users even when the actuators were not activated. And importantly, the research team turned to artificial intelligence to see if they could use it to predict how the user wanted to move. They used a method known as PU-learning, or positive and unlabeled, to have the exoskeleton learn to correctly read the intentions of the user, based on measurements of the muscle activities of the user. The PU-classification method allows the use of ambiguous data, by combining positively labeled data, which the machine knows is correct, with other unlabeled data that might either be positive or negative, allowing the artificial intelligence to learn from data that is not all labeled.
For the experiment, participants performed various movements that can begin in the same way—standing up, crossing their legs, leaning forward, and repositioning themselves in a chair. The exoskeleton used machine learning to guess when they were actually trying to stand up and then provided assistance for the movement.
The experiment was successful. According to Jun-ichiro Furukawa of the Guardian Robot Project, the first author of the paper, the results were better than conventional systems that use fully labeled data in situations where user’s behavior other than the target sit-to-stand motion can occur, indicating that the method could be expanded to other movements as well.
According to Jun Morimoto, who led the research team, “The key element of our research is that when controlling a robot to assist human movement, it is important to develop it based on the assumption that humans will behave in ways that are not in the learning data.”
The research was led by researchers from the RIKEN Guardian Robot Project, a project dedicated to creating robotic devices that can assist people who require assistance, in collaboration with researchers from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science, ATR Computational Neuroscience Labs, Kyushu University, and Kyoto University.
Original Article: Robotic exoskeleton uses machine learning to help users stand up
More from: RIKEN | Kyushu University | Kyoto University
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Exoskeleton robot
- Ozzy Osbourne determined to perform ‘without falling over now’ as he undergoes stem cell treatments
Ozzy Osbourne is determined to perform again as he manages his ongoing health issues, revealing he has been receiving stem cell treatments to help improve his condition.
- This exoskeleton can boost your physical capabilities
A new generation of lightweight exoskeletons will enable long-distance walkers, hikers and sports enthusiasts to improve their performance, supporting longer periods of physical activity with reduced ...
- Dnsys X1 wearable exoskeleton from $499 helps you achieve more with less fatigue
Artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming the world we live in. A world where you can achieve more with less fatigue, and where your daily ...
- This company makes an AI exoskeleton to give people superhuman power
A new AI exoskeleton can turn your body into that of a superhuman, allowing you to hike with better efficiency.
- Universal controller could push robotic prostheses, exoskeletons into real-world use
Robotic exoskeletons designed to help humans with walking or physically demanding work have been the stuff of sci-fi lore for decades. Remember Ellen Ripley in that Power Loader in "Alien"?
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Exoskeleton robot
[google_news title=”” keyword=”exoskeleton robot” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
PU-learning
- Yo-Yo Ma awarded WHYY Lifelong Learning Award: ‘I’m doing my best’
The world-renowned cellist came to WHYY to be interviewed by Terry Gross. Of course, he brought his cello, Petunia.
- Legacy of Pu Xinyu: A Journey through art at Prince Kung's Palace Museum
A study and a painting are juxtaposed in the showcase to offer clues on Pu Xinyu's process of learning painting and the evolution of his final pieces. [Photo/chinaservicesinfo.com] These works, ...
- EARLY YEARS: National Youth Apprenticeship Week is putting the spotlight on work-based learning opportunities
High school students are putting out the call to businesses that they're ready to work this summer, and beyond ...
- ChildCare Education Institute Offers No-Cost Online Course on Establishing Trauma Informed Practices in Early Learning Environments
This course introduces the concept of trauma in the lives of young children and focus on ways to incorporate trauma informed practices into the environment and interactions with children. Offers ...
- Building Our Cyber Workforce Through Transformational Learning
To close talent gaps and stay ahead of emerging security threats, I believe we must practice transformational, rather than transactional, learning.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
PU-learning
[google_news title=”” keyword=”PU-learning” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]