Exoskeletons and suits can be used to make us run faster, lift more and provide rehabilitation support for those who have difficulty walking. They have a huge potential.

But, their mass use might be restricted by one of the key components they need to work – humans.

The differences in the size and shape of each person makes designing personal exosuits a challenge, and in some cases may lead to them fitting badly and costing more.

Now a researcher from New York University is going to look at how we can make exosuits flexible to fit as many humans as possible.

The work will look at how best to speed up the design and construction of powered exoskeletons for the lower body.

“The end user’s individual requirements will be considered right from the very beginning – and at each stage of the process,” Joo H Kim, the head of the project, said.

“By providing highly customised design, a reduced design cycle, optimised systems with lightweight and natural motion, and improved user comfort and safety, we are bringing exoskeleton technologies to the next level.”

It is said that the exoskeleton designs that are being created could help military personnel and those who work in roles where heavy lifting is needed.

However, they are particularly being aimed at those who have disabilities.

The overall aim is to create a framework which can allow for exoskeletons to be personalised and fit correctly for each individual.

The University highlighted that in some cases exoskeletons can take a long time to design and make, as well as being costly and not always fitting comfortably.

The FDA officially approved the first ‘personal’ exoskeleton last year when it said the ReWalk could be put on sale.

For this to be flexible for as many people as possible, the organisation created the system, which helps users regain their mobility, adjustable.

It is the first step in making exoskeletons available to as many people as possible.

The suit can accommodate people from 160cm to 190cm in height, and those that weigh up to 100kg.

The company also says that “Other factors such as muscle tone, bone density and range of motion” can impact upon a users viability for the exoskeleton.

However, for those who don’t fit in the range available, the new research into ways to create suits for all will be welcome.

Featured image and image one courtesy of IHMC