Development of an endskeleton type power assist suit using pneumatic artificial muscles with amplification mechanism

Lifting heavy objects increases the risk of low back pain. In this study, we calculate the load exerted on the human body during an actual lifting operation. To assist lifting, we propose an endoskeleton-like suit that exerts an assistive force. A prototype of the assist suit is developed in this study. The force is exerted by a straight-fiber-type artificial muscle combined with an amplification mechanism. The notion of assistive force was subjectively evaluated by wearers, and confirmed in on a visual analogue scale. The electromyography signals of wearers were decreased, confirming the subjective assist effect.