ABLE Human Motion

Collaboration in the development of the ABLE exoskeleton: light, easy to use and affordable, aimed at patients with spinal cord injuries.

The ABLE Human Motion project helps people with paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury to stand up and walk independently again thanks to a wearable exoskeleton.

ABLE uses a patented electrical actuator to flex and extend the knee during walking, mimicking natural human movement. The technology also includes inertial sensors that detect the user’s intention to take a step forward.

Spinal cord injury is a catastrophic event that pushes five million people worldwide into a life challenged by disability. To date, exoskeletons have been used in the clinical setting for a wide range of applications in gait rehabilitation.

However, these people could benefit from this technology in their daily lives, such as ambulation, performing household tasks and participating in social activities, contributing to their overall physical health.

The literature shows that the use of wearable exoskeletons can contribute to the maintenance of bone mass, increased skin integrity, reduced pain and fatigue, or improved sleep and bowel and bladder function.

Eurecat participates in the ABLE Human Motion project through two Technological Units:

• The Product Innovation and Multiphysics Simulation Unit is in charge of the development of the engineering of the parts, the simulation of the critical elements and testing and the final manufacture of parts for exoskeletons.
• The Digital Health Unit develops the digital platform for the management and analysis of data from exoskeletons.

ABLE Human Motion is coordinated by GENESIS Biomed and, in addition to Eurecat, has the participation of MADoPA and the Universities of Heidelberg and Barcelona.