Ease of mobility and reduction of fatigue are ongoing challenges in pressure suit design. In order to accomplish these desired effects, a possible solution is to incorporate robotically augmented pressure suit elements. To build on existing technology, this paper explores areas of overlap between biomedical robot-aided rehabilitation devices and pressure suit design, with a focus on robotic augmentation for the upper extremities. The paper reviews design work at the University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory, then presents a summary of actuator technologies from available rehabilitation devices, along with an outline of design parameters for a space- and human-rated exoskeleton arm. This review proposes that technology transition could enable near-term robotic pressure suit augmentation, derived from equipment that has already been developed and tested for safe human use.
展开▼
