Entc 3020 - the Invention and Effects of Wearable Robots

ENTC 3020

1-6-2016

THE INVENTION AND EFFECTS OF WEARABLE ROBOTS (EXOSKELETON)

Abstract

Areas in science in technology have been evolving throughout the various civilizations but after the second world war, there has been a surge in researches to produce the most advanced entity by major world powers. This led to the invention of robots and now artificial intelligence. One of such robots, the exoskeleton (wearable robot) is no more seen as an object of science fiction but reality. Although it's initial creation experienced some hurdles, it has had a comfortable success rate and it is currently being developed with artificial intelligence to work even better. Exoskeletons are currently being used extensively in medical and military fields as its use is growing rapidly. Exoskeletons have given the disabled or paralyzed a new future and new hope to walk again. This document will discuss the invention of the exoskeleton, its impact on society and the technologies displaced by its emergence.  

INTRODUCTION

Since the beginning of time, mankind has always sought ways to either make work easier or make life a little more convenient. From the building of very simple sheds by early humans to the construction of massive skyscrapers with sophisticated security systems by modern developers, from the construction of simple stairways by earlier civilizations to  engineering of state of the art lift and escalator systems, from the creation of horse driven chariots to the invention of robust armored vehicles and from simple digging tools to huge earth movers such as excavators and bulldozers, there has always been a steady trend of improvement in already existing systems often driven by the test of military might and improvement of medical health. It should be noted that early humans slept in caves, depended on subsistence farming and hunted with very simple tools but due to advancement in technologies the modern world looks back only to call those days "the stone age". As an example, desktop computers were introduced before the introduction of cell phones and then computer tablets were made available. These three items have been revolutionized to a "phablet". The phablet is slowly displacing cell phones and tablets which are affecting the economy in different ways.

        In the same manner, prosthetics have long existed throughout the ages before the invention of newer technologies. Over the years, different levels of amputations have generated different types of prosthetics, crutches, and wheelchairs to be designed. The most common types of prosthetics are joint prosthetics, arms prosthetics, leg prosthetic and cosmetic prosthetic. While crutches are either single handedly used of doubled. On the other hand, the basic idea behind wheelchairs has not changed that much but there have been differences in design means of a power supply and ability to travel over different terrains. However, prosthetics and robotics have revolutionized to create exoskeletons. The idea behind the design and creation of prosthetics in earlier stages was to replace the lost active human part. For the purpose of clarification, examination, and comprehension, this document will seek to identify and define the following vital areas: