During my time at the MIT Media Lab, I was inspired by the beautiful cross-section of design and technology where mechanical parts could be engineered in a way that surpasses function and captivates our imagination.
I supported the development of exoskeletons that augment a human's ability to reduce metabolic cost in running, jumping, and load-carrying.
The MIT Media Lab Biomechatronics Group worked on developing exoskeletons that could augment human capabilities in running, jumping, and load-carrying. One of the exoskeletons they worked on was for running and jumping.
The team conducted initial tests on a passive exoskeleton for running and jumping, which showed a promising 30% reduction in metabolic cost during hopping. This means that with the exoskeleton on, a person would expend less energy while jumping, which could be particularly useful for athletes or individuals who need to perform physically demanding tasks.
The project was later continued by Dr. Alena Grabowski, a postdoc who continued the work at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Her work built on the initial research and focused on creating a powered exoskeleton that could further reduce metabolic cost and improve performance.
Bruce Deffenbaugh (left), Ernesto Martinez (second from left), William Grand (jumping), Hugh Herr (right), and Peter Dilworth (holding camera).
Project was continued by a postdoc, Dr. Alena Grabowski, who continued the work at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
The MIT Media Lab Biomechatronics Group also worked on developing exoskeletons that could assist with load-carrying. As part of the project, I engineered a robust, lightweight, and effective ankle assembly for an exoskeleton system that helped carry heavy loads. The ankle was designed to provide additional support and stability while walking or carrying heavy objects, reducing the strain on the wearer's legs and feet. This technology has the potential to be useful in a variety of settings, including industrial or military applications where heavy loads need to be carried over long distances.
I carefully chose the black anodized aluminum and ultra-thin stainless steel of the Achilles heel to create a striking contrast that captures the viewer's attention. This design choice was inspired by industrial robotics designer Jeff Weber, and it adds an element of visual interest. The black color of the aluminum gives the exoskeleton a sleek and modern look, while the shiny steel adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Overall, the contrast between the two materials not only makes the exoskeleton visually appealing but also draws attention to the Achilles heel, which is a critical component of the load-carrying exoskeleton.
