OpenExo: An Open-Source Modular Exoskeleton to Augment Human Function

While the field of wearable robotic exoskeletons is rapidly expanding, there are several barriers to entry that discourage many from pursuing research in this area, ultimately hindering growth. Chief among these are the lengthy and costly development time to get an exoskeleton from conception to implementation and the necessity for a broad set of expertise. Additionally, many exoskeletons are designed for a specific utility (e.g., ankle plantarflexor assistance) and are confined to the laboratory environment, limiting the flexibility of the designed system to adapt to answer new questions and explore new domains. To address these barriers, we present OpenExo, an open-source modular untethered exoskeleton framework that provides access to all aspects of the design process including (1) software, (2) electronics, (3) hardware, and (4) control schemes. To demonstrate the utility of this exoskeleton framework, we performed benchtop and experimental validation testing with the system across multiple configurations including (1) hip-only incline assistance, (2) ankle-only indoor and outdoor assistance, (3) hip-and-ankle load-carriage assistance, and (4) elbow-only weightlifting assistance. All aspects of the software architecture, electrical components, hip and Bowden-cable transmission designs, and control schemes are freely available for other researchers to access, use, and modify when looking to address research questions in the field of wearable exoskeletons. Our hope is that OpenExo will rapidly accelerate the development and testing of new exoskeleton designs and control schemes, while simultaneously encouraging others, including those who would have been turned away from entering the field, to explore new and unique research questions.