Active or Passive exoskeletons: How to tell them apart?
In many fields such as handling, construction or even medicine, the human body is exposed to strong biomechanical constraints which can,long term,cause the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The exoskeleton looks like an external mechanical structure to the human body whose objective is to support and intensify movements to relieve the user and facilitate the performance during difficult tasks. Active or passive?
How to differentiate? Follow the guide.
Passive Exoskeleton
The main characteristic of a passive exoskeleton is that it has no motorization. Equipped with components such as springs, carbon blades, rails or rubber bands, it works by storing and restoring the mechanical energy provid ed by the user’s weight in movement. Thus, it maintains while laying in uncomfortable posture, facilitates the carrying of massive loads and allows the execution of repetitive gestures. This may include helping a person keep their arms up, supporting repetitive trunk flexions. The fields of application of passive exoskeletons are numerous, especially in the industry.
This category of exoskeleton also called DAP (physical assistance device) has the advantage of being light, easy to use and suitable for narrow spaces. With the restriction of a support curve limited to an optimum for a single angle.
Active exoskeleton
The active exoskeleton or RAP (physical assistance robot) has the particularity of integrating, in addition to the mechanical components:
• motorized elements;
• several joints;
• energy sources;
• electronic components.
It is capable of providing total strength support and even amplifying the user’s physical abilities. Thanks to the energy of the battery the movements of the users are less tiring. The exoskeleton acting as the electric assistance of a bicycle. Active exoskeletons are present in the army with the aim of improving the resistance
to fatigue and the speed of soldiers. In industry, particularly in logistics departments, they make the work of handlers safer and easier.
ExoBack and ExoPush were developed by RB3D with this in mind.
The ExoBack
ExoBack is a lumbar assistance exoskeleton designed to reduce the efforts required in handling situations. Equipped with a double-jointed hip, it ensures movement tracking without hindrance and in total freedom.
The ExoPush
ExoPush, on the other hand, is a movement assistance exoskeleton during finishing tasks such as leveling or raking. It is easily used like a classic rake, the motor taking care of increasing the strength of the user.
Whether passive or active, the exoskeleton always serves the same objective: to relieve the human in a situation of effort without replacing it. It strengthens prevention and safety measures with the aim of reducing MSDs and reducing the costs of their treatment. Easily adjustable by assistance, it adapts according to a perfect curve of lumbar support.
