Pneumatically Assisted Arm

Lead Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Format

SOECS Senior Project Demonstration

Faculty Mentor Name

Kyle Watson

Faculty Mentor Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract/Artist Statement

Fields requiring industrial labor demand physical strength in the workforce despite the multitude of machines that can assist a worker with their everyday tasks (i.e. manufacturing, construction, maintenance, etc.). This project aims to assist and/or eliminate the need for physical strength that can sometimes push to the limit or exceed the capabilities of the average human body. For effective application, the project mainly focuses on pneumatic muscle concepts for providing an additional lifting and/or pulling force to the operator’s aid, and electromyography (EMG) sensing to provide a biomechanical integrated control making use practical within industrial environments. Efforts also focus toward a system that is both compact and safe while accommodating natural arm movements. The design includes a 15 lb aluminum exoskeleton system that is capable of providing an assistive 30 lbs lifting and pulling force while operating via a 90 psi air supply line for lift and pull pneumatic muscle operation and a 12V, 5000mAh battery for powering the system and controls. EMG sensing and logic controls are supported by an Arduino UNO microcontroller. Equipped with pressure sensing and emergency kill switch functions, this machine is able to be safely operated and removed by its user.

Location

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Start Date

7-5-2016 2:30 PM

End Date

7-5-2016 4:00 PM

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May 7th, 2:30 PM May 7th, 4:00 PM

Pneumatically Assisted Arm

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Fields requiring industrial labor demand physical strength in the workforce despite the multitude of machines that can assist a worker with their everyday tasks (i.e. manufacturing, construction, maintenance, etc.). This project aims to assist and/or eliminate the need for physical strength that can sometimes push to the limit or exceed the capabilities of the average human body. For effective application, the project mainly focuses on pneumatic muscle concepts for providing an additional lifting and/or pulling force to the operator’s aid, and electromyography (EMG) sensing to provide a biomechanical integrated control making use practical within industrial environments. Efforts also focus toward a system that is both compact and safe while accommodating natural arm movements. The design includes a 15 lb aluminum exoskeleton system that is capable of providing an assistive 30 lbs lifting and pulling force while operating via a 90 psi air supply line for lift and pull pneumatic muscle operation and a 12V, 5000mAh battery for powering the system and controls. EMG sensing and logic controls are supported by an Arduino UNO microcontroller. Equipped with pressure sensing and emergency kill switch functions, this machine is able to be safely operated and removed by its user.