Exoskelet Wall-X
Based on certain measurements, sports scientists are able to determine which sport best suits you. Your physique is already quite revealing: high-jumpers, for instance, should be tall and lean. Other qualities might not be visible, but can be measured, including the ratio of red to white muscle fibres, long capacity and maximum oxygen uptake. Sports scientists can also improve your sporting achievements by, for instance, analysing and adjusting your posture.
- Date: 2016
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Collection: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences
Wall-X assists foot push-off, thus making walking about 12% easier.
What is Wall-X?
Wall-X was developed by the Department of Movement and Sports Sciences at Ghent University. It as an external, wearable synthetic framework that physically supports just your ankle and foot. This way, Wall-X reduces the ‘metabolic cost’ of walking. The Department was the first research facility in the entire world to successfully accomplish this.
How does Wall-X make walking easier?
The ankle and foot-only exoskeleton is equipped with a pneumatic muscle, which is powered by a compressor. Wall-X assists foot push-off, thus making walking about 12% easier. For the time being, Wall-X can only be used on a treadmill, but eventually, the system will help people walk, using less muscle power and oxygen.
