U of A integrating artificial intelligence into exoskeleton technology
A group of University of Alberta researchers are trying to redefine medical assistance for those with mobility issues by combing artificial intelligence with exoskeleton technology.
Working under the direction of Mahdi Tavakoli, an electrical and computer engineering professor and director of the Telerobotic and Biorobtic Systems Group, the group hopes to leverage machine learning to monitor individual walking patterns to help create personalized robot exoskeletons.
"Everyone's walking pattern and needs are going to be different," Tavakoli said. "(The robot helps) amplify those motions so that you have to put in less effort (as the user) and the robot takes more of that load."
An exoskeleton is a device that can serve as a limb.
While exoskeleton technology is not new, the researchers in Edmonton believe they are the first to harness the full potential of AI in tandem with it.
"We want the exoskeleton to learn from the person so all the energies the person imparts on the exoskeleton, those will be recorded and update our algorithm in real-time," said Eddie Guo, an undergraduate researcher.
Javad Khodaei Mehr, PhD student, says what differs about the assistive technology is its ability to be flexible in multiple scenarios.
"(This can) include all of the situations, like transitions between different modes of walking," Mehr said. "It's like walking on different types of terrain or changing from walking on different types of terrain or changing from walking to ascending or descending the stairs."
The technology may also be used in rehabilitation from serious injuries to gradually help people recover and relearn how to walk.
"You need a device that allows them to keep walking and compensate for what they can't do, but reduces that level of assistance gradually so that they contribute more," Tavakoli said.
While still in the preliminary stages, the group is hopeful with enough time and effort, their more precise tool will help make a difference by keeping seniors with mobility challenges in their homes longer.
"(Right now) we are doing all the experiments on ourselves because it needs to reach a very high level of safety to pass that to the people to use," Mehr added. "But when you're applying a method and testing that, and you are getting to the point that it's working, it's very encouraging."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alison MacKinnon and Karyn Mulcahy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.