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
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.