We develop wearable robotic devices to improve the efficiency, speed and balance of walking and running, especially for people with disabilities such as amputation or stroke.
Our primary focus is to speed and systematize
the design process
itself
by developing and using versatile hardware
prosthesis
and
exoskeletonemulators
and
algorithms for
human-in-the-loop optimization.
We also perform basic scientific research on related topics, for example the role of
ankle push-off
in balance maintenance
and the effects of
arm swinging
on energy economy in human gait.
And we develop efficient autonomous devices,
such as energy-efficient
walking robots,
ultra-low-power
electroadhesive clutches,
and
unpowered exoskeletons
that reduce the energy cost of walking.