SAS: SMA Aiding Sleeve

This paper presents a new design of an arm exoskeleton using shape memory alloy wires and springs embedded in fabric and taking the form of a sleeve. The device is intended to facilitate everyday life tasks by providing the user with an easily operated lift aiding device. The “SMA Aiding Sleeve” will bring extra lifting power to various classes of users (medical and non-medical). This paper presents the details of the design including the hardware and control scheme. The prototype preliminary tests provide encouraging results in terms of controllability and actuation. The results demonstrate the feasibility of position control.