Exomuscles made of wearable textile have been created by ETH Zurich researchers to act as an additional layer of muscles. They want to utilize this technology to help patients with limited mobility gain upper body strength and endurance.
Introducing A Wearable Exomuscle To Improve Your Arm Strength
According to the website of ETH Zurich, a type of vest with upper arm cuffs called a "Myoshirt" comes with a tiny box that houses all the technology that isn't used directly on the body. In other words, it is an upper body exomuscle that may be worn. The company highlighted that the user is always in charge and always has the option to override the device.
So, this is how it works. A smart algorithm uses sensors built into the fabric to recognize the wearer's intentional movements and the required force. The desired movement is then supported by a motor that shortens a cable in the fabric that runs parallel to the wearer's muscles. ETH Zurich said that this support can be customized to the needs of each person and is always responsive to their motions.
Even Though This Incredible Technology Is Still Only a Prototype, It Has Already Gained Positive Feedback
In a recent study with 12 participants-10 healthy individuals, one suffering from muscular dystrophy, and one with a spinal cord injury-the researchers tested this prototype for the first time.
As per ETH Zurich, the vast majority of participants found the equipment to be user-friendly, and the exomuscle made it less stressful on their muscles. Thanks to the exomuscle, all participants could lift their arms and/or things for a significantly longer period of time. This only means that the result of the test is promising.
In the healthy subjects, the company claimed that their endurance increased by about a third; in the person with muscular dystrophy, it improved by about 60%; and in the participant with spinal cord injury, it increased by even three times.
It Will Take Some Time Before This Product Is Ready for the Market
This technology must be further developed in order to be market-ready, according to the experts. ETH Zurich said it will collaborate closely with MyoSwiss AG, an ETH spinoff company, to refine the exomuscle.
The actuator and control box, which together weigh 4 kg, has to be cut even more in size and weight for the device to be worn discreetly and comfortably below a person's clothing. By concentrating on one primary function, supporting the user's shoulders while they lift their arms, the researchers hope to reduce the product's size.
"In the next phase, we want to test our prototype outside the lab in the natural environment of future wearers and use the results to further improve it," says Michele Xiloyannis, a worker at the Sensory Motor Systems Lab at ETH Zurich and is conducting research for the Myoshirt project.
