The X Factor of Space Tech Makes Mobility Easy on Earth

A new technique developed to help astronauts stay healthier in space has a spinoff on Earth.

A robotic exoskeleton X1 has been developed by NASA and The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) of Pensacola, with the help of engineers from Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston.

This device can be worn by humans over their body either to assist or inhibit movement in leg joints. In the inhibit mode it can be used as an in space exercise machine in order to supply resistance against leg movement. But the use of it differs on Earth. This machine could help those individuals who walk for the first time.

"What's extraordinary about space technology and our work with projects like Robonaut are the unexpected possibilities space tech spinoffs may have right here on Earth. It's exciting to see a NASA-developed technology that might one day help people with serious ambulatory needs begin to walk again, or even walk for the first time," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program.

Worn over the legs by means of a harness over the back and shoulders X1 consists of four motorized joints at the hip and the knees, and six passive joints that allow for sidestepping, turning and pointing, and flexing a foot.

NASA is currently examining the potential for the X1 as an exercise device to in order to improve the crew health both aboard the space station and during future long-duration missions to an asteroid or Mars. X1 is the research and development phase. At currently the main focus is design, evaluation and improvement of the technology.

Without taking up valuable space or weight during missions, X1 could replicate common crew exercises. This is an important factor that will keep astronauts healthy in microgravity. In addition, the device has the ability to measure, record and stream back in real-time data to flight controllers on Earth. Thereby providing the doctors details on the impact of the crew's exercise regimen.

In the later stages as the technology matures and advances, X1 also could provide a robotic power boost to astronauts as they work on the surface of distant planetary bodies. 

When on Earth the team prefers developing and using X1 as an assistive walking device. According to them X1 has the potential to produce high torques to allow for assisted walking over varied terrain, as well as stair climbing. 

The X1 can also be used is rehabilitation, gait modification and offloading large amounts of weight.

Researchers plan on improving on the X1 design, adding more active joints to areas such as the ankle and hip, which will, in turn, increase the potential uses for the device.