Softer, smarter, stronger From exoskeletons to exosuits

Abstract

For thousands of years and across cultures, tales like those of Icarus and his wings made from wax and feathers testify to the universal human desire to overcome the physical limitations imposed by nature by using wearable technology. Today, this desire finds expression in robotics, where significant technological advances have opened up new possibilities that were once confined to the realm of science fiction. Robotics is used, for instance, in fields such as human assistance, rehabilitation, or to enhance human performance. A current research area that Heidelberg scientists are also working on is wearable technologies such as exosuits, which have the potential to completely transform rehabilitation and enable people with physical impairments to lead more independent lives.