You may have heard about wearable computers, but have you ever heard about wearable robots? If you are paralysed you may have the dream to move again, if you are old and weak you may like to have some support to walk stairs or carry heavy shopping bags. If you have a heavy jobb or move in dangerous environments, you may want to amplify your body with a wearable robot, also called biomechatronic exoskeleton.
In this new book Wearable Robots: Biomechatronic Exoskeletons José L. Pons defines a wearable robot (WR) as a mechatronic system that is designed around the shape and function of the human body, with segments and joints corresponding to those of the person it is externally coupled with. Teleoperation and power amplification were the first applications, but after recent technological advances the range of application fields has widened. Increasing recognition from the scientific community means that this technology is now employed in telemanipulation, man-amplification, neuromotor control research and rehabilitation, and to assist with impaired human motor control.
The book gives a full overview of wearable robotics, providing the reader with a complete understanding of the key applications and technologies suitable for its development. The book will appeal to lecturers, senior undergraduate students, postgraduates and other researchers of medical, electrical and bio engineering who are interested in the area of assistive robotics. Active system developers in this sector of the engineering industry will also find it an informative and welcome resource.
