Engineering the Future of Running with a Robotic Hip Exoskeleton

Human Robot Systems Lab undergraduate researcher Alex White demonstrates the hip exoskeleton. Credit: Derrick Zellmann

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers are announcing a collaboration with athletic footwear manufacturer PUMA to expand the application of their novel robotic hip exoskeleton and inspire the next generation of performance-enhancing activewear for runners of all skill levels.<_o3a_p>

The research will be led by Meghan Huber, assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, and Wouter Hoogkamer, one of the leading scientists in running performance and footwear and assistant professor of kinesiology.<_o3a_p>

"Decades of research has shown that simply offering a mechanical advantage with devices like robotic exoskeletons does not guarantee an improvement in human performance," explains Huber, who is overseeing the electromechanical design work. <_o3a_p>

The current device has motors at the hip joints that can apply different torques, both in flexion and extension. "Building an exoskeleton to help people run faster or farther is an exciting engineering feat, but designing it to work seamlessly with the human wearer is just as critical to truly enhance running ability," says Huber. "With that in mind, a major aspect of this research involves deepening our understanding of running biomechanics and motor neuroscience." <_o3a_p>

Hoogkamer, who has been working with PUMA on footwear science since 2019 and is leading the running performance aspect of this research, sees many possible outcomes for the exoskeleton, particularly as a running aid. "People can use it to commute, to train or it can make it easier and more fun to get into running," he says.<_o3a_p>

"The idea of this is still very futuristic," says Laura Healey, manager of research and sports science at PUMA. She sees that this device-and the insights gleaned from this research-could help a wide range of runners, "whether it's someone who doesn't run at all, and maybe by wearing this device they can start to run, or someone that runs really fast, and then this could make them run even faster."<_o3a_p>

Developing sports equipment for elite athletic performance is familiar territory for Hoogkamer, as the PUMA shoes designed in collaboration with his lab were recently worn by two women finishing in the top three of the U.S. Olympic marathon trials. And he sees where insights from the exoskeleton can inform new innovations beyond footwear. "Actively inputting energy is not allowed in competition," he says. "But, if we can find a way to recycle energy, that would not necessarily be in conflict with the rules." <_o3a_p>

The hip exoskeleton. Credit: Derrick Zellmann

One unique element of this partnership is that they will ask study participants to run faster than previous exoskeleton research has observed. Huber explains that research has studied individuals running with exoskeleton assistance mainly at a 10-minute-mile pace. "Our goal is to study how runners adapt to exoskeleton assistance at much faster speeds. To do this, we are continuously improving our hardware designs to be flexible and comfortable for the runner. Currently, the device is compliant enough to wear while running at a 5-minute mile pace," she says. <_o3a_p>

The goal of the exoskeleton is not to give a runner the ability to reach unseen top speeds, but rather to amplify their existing running abilities. "The biomechanics, and possibly neural control, of running differ depending on speed so it is important to develop and evaluate running technology at faster speeds, as well," Huber explains.<_o3a_p>

Between a proven track record of research with PUMA, Hoogkamer's status as a running community leader, Huber's innovative exoskeleton design with a wide breadth of practical applications and the general rise of elite running in Western Massachusetts, "UMass Amherst is emerging as a powerhouse for innovation in running and sports technology," says Huber. <_o3a_p>

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