User-Centered Design and Development of the Modular TWIN Lower Limb Exoskeleton

Frontiers in Neurorobotics, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2021.709731 · Published: October 7, 2021

Assistive Technology Healthcare Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

The TWIN exoskeleton is a modular lower limb exoskeleton designed for personal use by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It aims to address the unmet needs of users by focusing on lightweight design, autonomous portability, quick donning and setup, stability, cost-effectiveness, long battery life, comfort, and safety. The design process incorporated user feedback from patients, engineers, designers, physiatrists, and physical therapists. This user-centered approach guided the development of the exoskeleton, emphasizing modular mechatronics and novel quick release systems. Preliminary assessments involving healthy volunteers and an SCI patient validated the mechatronics of the TWIN exoskeleton and highlighted its potential for usability. These tests followed usability engineering standards and served as a foundation for further evaluation as a medical device.

Study Duration

36 Months

Participants

10 healthy volunteers and one 31-year-old SCI patient

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found that a user-centered design approach, involving patients and clinicians, was effective in developing an exoskeleton that addresses user needs.
2
Tests validated the mechatronics of the TWIN exoskeleton and emphasized its high potential in terms of system usability for its intended use.
3
The TWIN exoskeleton's design, featuring high modularity and lateral mounting, facilitates donning and allows users to mount modules in a sequence that adapts to their context.

Research Summary

This paper introduces TWIN, a modular lower limb exoskeleton developed using a user-centered design approach. The design process involved patients, engineers, and clinicians to identify key requirements for personal use by SCI subjects. The TWIN exoskeleton features modular mechatronics, novel quick release systems, and a design that prioritizes usability, autonomous use, and compatibility with wheelchairs and personal vehicles. Preliminary assessments with healthy volunteers and an SCI patient validated the mechatronics and highlighted the potential of the TWIN exoskeleton for personal use. The study emphasizes the importance of user-centered design in developing effective healthcare robots.

Practical Implications

Improved Exoskeleton Design

Demonstrates the efficacy of user-centered design in robotics, leading to more user-friendly and effective devices.

Enhanced Patient Autonomy

TWIN's design facilitates independent use, increasing training frequency and the benefits of exoskeleton-based therapy.

Advancements in Rehabilitation

The modular and adaptable TWIN exoskeleton can be tailored to individual patient needs, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The initial user need analysis phase did not directly highlight comfort as a primary requirement, although this aspect was addressed during the formative phase.
2
The study included a limited number of participants, particularly only one SCI patient, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
3
Further trials will be needed to validate this design, e.g., on patients with higher weight, and at higher walking speed

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