Driven by a spirit of innovation, interdisciplinary expertise, and a desire to help people, the team at the MedTech Lab, led by Silvia Rohner and Benjamin Eggimann, has already brainstormed and implemented various ideas. These include the "ZED evolution," a robotic wheelchair with unique features that even made it to the podium at the Cybathlon. Another example is the "VariLeg enhanced," an active exoskeleton that enables movement of the knee and hip joints. A very special project currently in development is the so-called "Enhanced hybrid," a combination of exoskeleton and wheelchair designed to provide greater mobility and freedom. While the description might sound simple, the realization of the project is highly complex. The development takes a lot of time, and the demands on functionality are high. Silvia Rohner explains that they have already invested three years: "We spent a good year just clarifying the problem, another year roughly on the concept, and yet another year now on the technical implementation for the first prototype."
Technologies Paving the Way to the Future
A demo version of the "Enhanced hybrid," along with other exhibits, is on display at the "Mobility & Inclusion" exhibition, which was initiated by Robert Riener, Professor at the Sensory-Motor Systems Lab at ETH Zurich. Through various exhibits and interactive stations, the exhibition introduces forward-looking technologies for people with disabilities. Professor Riener has been committed to assistive technologies for over 20 years, recognizing their great potential: "Technology can not only enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities but also improve their participation in society, education, work, and leisure. Technology helps break down barriers, not only physical but also communicative ones."
The exhibition provides insights into the lives of people with disabilities and the challenges they face in everyday life. It vividly demonstrates how technical solutions can partially compensate for or resolve obstacles or impairments to promote equal opportunities and self-determination.
When Wheelchair and Exoskeleton Become One
For example, the demo from the MedTech Lab at the OST. The "play version" of the Enhanced Hybrid demonstrates what might be possible in the future: moving while seated in a wheelchair but also standing up and walking with the help of an exoskeleton. The user decides what kind of support they need. The demo allows for playful interaction, where a figure in a mini-exoskeleton can be moved over everyday obstacles approaching on a conveyor belt using action buttons.
To make the demo functional, FAULHABER motors are installed, ensuring the right movement at the right moment. Using buttons, the user can choose which action to perform depending on the obstacle to overcome. For instance, a brushless motor from the B series (1628 ... B) combined with a planetary gearhead (Series 16/7, 246:1) ensures that the demo can assume the desired position.
Shaping the Future with Visions and Aspirations
In the future, technology will need to become faster, better, and more intuitive. Professor Riener also emphasizes another important aspect: "While assistive devices have improved, we are still far from our goal. The devices need to become smaller, lighter, and offer more functionalities with longer battery life. Additionally, today’s devices are still far too expensive. We need to increase the acceptance of these devices and intensify competition to boost the numbers of devices sold. This would significantly lower the prices."
Silvia Rohner's thoughts go even further, as she says: "It might sound a bit strange, but I hope that in a distant future, our assistive systems will no longer be needed. We are essentially developing systems that try to make something possible again that the human body currently cannot do. [...] Until then, I believe we need assistive systems. And these must become so practical in everyday life that they no longer stand out." Although the journey is long and challenging, it is especially important for the scientists and engineers to continue and make daily life a little easier for people with disabilities step by step, whether with a state-of-the-art wheelchair, an exoskeleton, or a combination of both.
The "Mobility and Inclusion" exhibition will be on display from September 5 to December 22, 2024, at the Paraforum at the Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil, before moving to the Technorama in Winterthur in 2025.