b25f2fa7-95eb-41a3-b1d9-67488f77df57
b25f2fa7-95eb-41a3-b1d9-67488f77df57
b25f2fa7-95eb-41a3-b1d9-67488f77df57
b25f2fa7-95eb-41a3-b1d9-67488f77df57
b25f2fa7-95eb-41a3-b1d9-67488f77df57

Spandex might be the best material for exosuits (sorry, Iron Man)

Jan. 26, 2017

Researchers at Harvard are hypothesizing that spandex may be a more suitable material than iron as they work to bring the exosuit from the realm of fantasy into reality.

Let's play a quick game of word association. Your first word is exosuit. If you are a nerd like me, then the image of Iron Man immediately appeared in your brain. His iconic suit is the perfect union of technology and art, and has been the inspiration for many of our attempts at a real-world exosuit. But researchers at Harvard are hypothesizing that spandex may be a more suitable material than iron as they work to bring the exosuit from the realm of fantasy into reality.

According to Kendra Pierre-Louis for Popular Science: "To see if spandex exosuits could give users a boost, researchers strapped seven subjects into the fancy workout gear—what they call functional apparel.

'These are textile components that allow us to anchor the wearer and attach components comfortably and securely to the human body,' said study author Conor Walsh, a researcher at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The researchers attached these fabric components to the ankle and calf to apply force and assist with plantar flexion or bending, and to the hip to help with hip flexion. Once they anchored the body, they attached a cable connected to a pulley motor. The cable spans across the ankle joint to the back of the calf and 'shoots' energy into the ankle, boosting the walker's natural gait."

Sponsored Recommendations

Limitations of MERV Ratings for Dust Collector Filters

Feb. 23, 2024
It can be complicated and confusing to select the safest and most efficient dust collector filters for your facility. For the HVAC industry, MERV ratings are king. But MERV ratings...

The Importance of Air-To-Cloth Ratio when Selecting Dust Collector Filters

Feb. 23, 2024
Selecting the right filter cartridges for your application can be complicated. There are a lot of things to evaluate and consider...like air-to-cloth ratio. When your filters ...

ASHRAE Standard 199 for Evaluating Dust Collection Systems

Feb. 23, 2024
This standard ensures dust collection systems are tested under real-world conditions, measuring a dust collector's emissions, pressure drop, and compressed air usage. Learn why...

Dust Collector Explosion Protection

Feb. 23, 2024
Combustible dust explosions are a serious risk, and an unprotected dust collection system can be a main cause. Learn what NFPA-compliant explosion protection you need to keep ...