Ankle Exoskeleton from Stanford Scientists Increases Running Speed ​​by 10%

Typically, exoskeletons are created in order to reduce the load on muscles and increase human capabilities when

carrying cargo. Another popular use is to restore functionality to older people who cannot walk long distances or lift heavy objects themselves.

In the new work, the researchers were guidedanother goal is “to make the exercise more attractive or more practical.” Their development is not a portable exoskeleton, but an imitation of it - a mechanism is put on the user’s legs, which is driven by a large system of motors, which in its current form can only be used in the laboratory.

According to the researchers, this is enough tofind out whether the mechanism will help the muscles involved in running to work longer and more efficiently. After that, the device will be reduced to full suitability for everyday wear.

Testing the device on a treadmill with 11 experienced runners showed that the exoskeleton allows 15% less energy to be spent running and increases the runner's speed by 10%.

Previouslywas reportedthat the four-meter exoskeleton created by an inventor from Canada was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world.