Trunk module pushed to the next level

With the results from the lab tests in mind, Robo-Mate partner IIT has improved the final prototype of the Robo-Mate trunk module in three main areas: weight, comfort and motion speed.

• The weight reduction has been possible thanks to a simplification of the mechanism and the use of advanced manufacturing techniques.
  
• The body attachments have been improved to allow a better distribution of the forces on the user's body.
• The actuation unit has been improved as well, more than doubling motion speed without increasing the weight or the power consumption of the system, and providing a similar torque to that of the first prototype. The new actuation unit combines a smaller and faster motor with a parallel elastic mechanism based on rubber bands. The parallel elastic mechanism compensates for the body weight, while the actuator compensates for the extra weight and any other dynamic effect.