Earlier this week, Seoul-based research institute Sahmyook University showcased some of the ongoing work it is doing in collaboration with electronics giant Samsung surrounding the EX1 exosuit.
EX1 is a lightweight, flexible, and user-friendly robot exo-suit that attaches to the user’s legs and hips. The device is said to accurately detect the user’s movements and provide appropriate pull or push force to assist them when walking, running, climbing stairs, sitting, and standing.
Wearable robots or exosuits are high-tech devices that attach to the human body to support or enhance their mobility. These robotic devices can be applied in various fields such as healthcare, military, industry, sports, and entertainment.
The primary goal of wearable robots is to help improve the quality of life, especially in older people who often face difficulties in maintaining their health and mobility.
Samsung Develops Wearable Exo-Skeleton That Improves Mobility In Elderly
Wan-hee Lee, a professor at Sahmyook University’s College of Health Science, stated that using the EX1 robot co-developed with Samsung can help older adults effectively perform simple exercises such as walking and fitness, improving their quality of life.
“EX1 can increase their participation in exercise and serve as a guideline for exercising the right way,” added Professor Lee.
Additionally, users can connect the EX1 to their smartphones or smartwatches to display relevant information like the device’s battery status, speed, distance covered, and calories consumed by the user, among others.
According to reports, the hip support robot is designed for both assistive wear and guided exercises. The team conducted a four-week study where participants who wore the exosuit showed a 6.63% reduction in the time taken to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, meanwhile, there was an average increase of 12.42% in stride length, an increase of 21.29% in pushing force, and a 1.71% reduction in waist-hip ratio.
These observations were made on subjects who wore the EX1 for 50 minutes a day, three times a week for a month.
Samsung developed the EX1 based on scientific and technological research on wearable robots done by the Georgia Insitute of Technology and Emory University’s study on the balance and control of wearable robots.
“Our findings provide a solid foundation for developing various types of improved and advanced wearable robots. This will further expand the global wearable robot market, promoting further research and commercialization,” said Lee.
Experts Say Products Like EX1 Will Become More Prevalent In The Next Decade
However, it is not certain when or if Samsung has plans to launch the EX1 in the market shortly. Even so, researchers believe that the development of this type of wearable technology will become more prevalent over the next decade.
EX1 is yet another example of Samsung’s technological breakthroughs and innovation, offering users flexible and limitless experiences. The company hopes that its wearable robot will be welcomed by older adults worldwide and will contribute to improving their health and quality of life.
